Heating plastic waste in the presence of a certain chemical can produce particles that absorb carbon dioxide, according to a research team from Rice University.
The research improves on pyrolysis-based chemical recycling. Pyrolysis is the process of degrading a particular material by heating it in an inert atmosphere. When plastic is pyrolyzed, it often leaves behind oils, fumes, and waxes, as well as a waste carbon byproduct.
