Steering C–C Bond Cleavage and Hydrogenation in Polystyrene Hydrocracking through External Brønsted Acid Sites over Ni/Zeolites

Key Points

• To investigate the role of Brønsted acid sites in enhancing selective hydrocracking of polystyrene.
• Analyzed the effects of aromatic substituents on degradation pathways.
• Utilized Ni/zeolite catalysts during hydrocracking processes.
• Measured recycling rates for polystyrene compared to polyolefins.
• Examined the stability of benzylic species in polystyrene hydrocracking.
• Found that Brønsted acid sites significantly influence bond cleavage and hydrogenation.
• Observed altered degradation pathways due to the presence of aromatic substituents.
• Indicated that recycling rates for polystyrene remain lower than for polyolefins.