Researchers have developed a breakthrough method that converts mixed, toxic plastics—including PVC—into usable gasoline-range fuel and hydrochloric acid with up to 95% efficiency at relatively low temperatures (≈ 86 °F), bypassing the need for extensive sorting. The innovation leverages ionic liquid catalysts to simultaneously dechlorinate PVC and crack polymer chains, producing chlorine-free fuel and HCl as a by-product.

Because it accepts contaminated waste streams and integrates into existing fuel infrastructure, the technique holds promise for scalable plastic-to-fuel recycling—though challenges around catalyst stability, impurities, and corrosion remain to be solved.

Source: Earth.com