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Researchers stunned after discovering new method to break down plastic: 'This is a groundbreaking technology'

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have developed a groundbreaking method to break down polyethylene, the most common plastic, into smaller, more manageable molecules using a new type of catalyst. This catalyst, which operates at a relatively low temperature of 302 degrees Fahrenheit, can convert plastic waste into valuable chemicals like jet fuel or surfactants, potentially revolutionizing plastic recycling. The process involves breaking the long carbon chains of polyethylene into shorter, useful compounds, offering a sustainable solution to the global plastic waste problem. This discovery is significant because traditional recycling methods for polyethylene are inefficient, and this new approach could lead to a circular economy for plastics, reducing environmental pollution. The research, published in the journal Science, highlights the potential for transforming plastic waste into high-value products, thereby providing both environmental and economic benefits.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/science/environmental-science/researchers-stunned-after-discovering-new-method-to-break-down-plastic-this-is-a-groundbreaking-technology/ar-AA1xcPsu ]