Overview: A dual solution from plastic waste
Plastic pollution and the climate crisis are two of the most pressing global challenges. Each year, more than 300 million tons of plastic are produced, with a shocking portion ending up in landfills, rivers, and oceans. At the same time, hydrogen remains a promising clean-energy carrier, but the vast majority of its production relies on fossil fuels, emitting CO2. The WASTE2H2 project offers a bold, integrated response: convert plastic waste into clean hydrogen and valuable carbon materials, all with minimal greenhouse gas emissions.
How the WASTE2H2 process aims to work
The project explores a novel, single-step process that combines ionic liquids, metal nanoparticles, and microwave irradiation. This trio is designed to break down plastics under relatively mild conditions (below 350°C and at atmospheric pressure), yielding a clean stream of hydrogen gas and solid carbon nanomaterials. If realized at scale, this could turn a problematic waste stream into a dual-value output: energy and advanced materials.
Key advantages
- Single-step operation could simplify manufacturing and reduce costs compared with multi-step approaches.
- Microwave-assisted processing may lower energy consumption compared with conventional thermal methods.
- High-purity hydrogen production (>97% purity) supports cleaner energy applications and decarbonized industry.
- Easy recovery and reuse of catalysts and carbon products enhance sustainability and economics.
- Zero or low greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with climate goals and circular economy principles.
Why this technology stands out
Previous attempts to convert plastics into hydrogen often required very high temperatures, multiple steps, and large catalysts that become inactive due to carbon deposits. WASTE2H2 differentiates itself with an integrated approach aimed at:
- Reducing energy intensity through microwave heating
- Consolidating processing into a single step
- Delivering high-purity hydrogen suitable for storage and energy use
- Enabling reuse and recycling of catalysts and carbon products
- Lowering emissions and potentially lowering production costs
Potential benefits for people, industry, and the planet
The potential impact of WASTE2H2 stretches beyond laboratory milestones. If successful, the technology could:
- Reduce plastic pollution: Turn waste plastics into valuable resources rather than letting them accumulate in landfills and oceans.
- Provide local clean energy: Hydrogen could be produced on-site at recycling facilities, supermarkets, or industrial sites, reducing transport needs and fossil-fuel dependence.
- Advance the circular economy: Close the loop by converting waste into energy and high-value materials rather than discarding plastics after a single use.
- Boost European industry: Carbon nanomaterials offer high-value applications in electronics, aerospace, energy, and sports equipment, potentially at lower environmental cost.
- Support climate goals: Lower emissions from both waste handling and hydrogen production contribute to decarbonization efforts.
Roadmap and timeline
The four-year WASTE2H2 roadmap includes:
- Design and testing of new ionic liquid-based catalytic systems
- Construction and operation of a laboratory-scale prototype
- Life Cycle Analysis and Life Cycle Cost studies to understand environmental and economic impacts
- Digital modeling to guide future large-scale deployment
By 2027, the project aims to demonstrate a laboratory-level proof of concept (Technology Readiness Level 4). The long-term vision envisions multiple plants across Europe by 2035, producing hydrogen locally and supplying carbon nanomaterials for diverse industries.
Challenges and opportunities
WASTE2H2 faces significant technical hurdles, including designing stable ionic liquids that perform under the required conditions and developing catalysts that resist deactivation from carbon buildup. Yet the potential gains — cleaner energy, reduced plastic waste, and new materials markets — justify the risks and investment.
Conclusion: A transformative approach to waste and energy
WASTE2H2 embodies a forward-looking fusion of chemistry, engineering, and environmental science. By turning plastic waste into on-site clean hydrogen and valuable carbon nanomaterials, the project could redefine how society treats waste and how energy is produced. If successful, it would demonstrate that trash can be a resource, powering a zero-emission economy and supporting a more sustainable, resilient future.
Disclaimer: This project has funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme through the European Innovation Council (grant No. 101130249).
