Project Info
Heterogeneous Superacidic Catalysis for Low-Temperature Polyolefin Degradation
Mike McGuirk
cmmcguirk@mines.edu
Project Goals and Description:
In this work we are aiming to develop catalyst that is able to break down polyethylene and polypropylene polymers into shorter hydrocarbons at low temperatures. The overarching motivation for this effort development of a chemical method for recycling plastic waste into value added products without enormous energetic requirements.
More Information:
Grand Challenge: Provide access to clean water.
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03966
Primary Contacts:
Michael McGuirk, cmmcguirk@mines.edu. Scottt Cleary, scleary@mines.edu
Student Preparation
Qualifications
have taken organic chemistry 1 and 2
TIME COMMITMENT (HRS/WK)
6-8
SKILLS/TECHNIQUES GAINED
catalyst synthesis, catalyst characterization, catalyst testing. Techniquess included PXRD, gas adsorption, NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy
MENTORING PLAN
The student will work directly with a 5th yr chemistry Ph.D. student in the lab. The student will be expected to attend weekly meetings with the professor.
Preferred Student Status
Sophomore
Junior