Yale researchers report progress in converting plastic trash into usable bio-oil. Their new process, more efficient and less costly, could one day provide an unlimited alternative energy source.

BulletsIn

• Plastic waste turned into bio-oil using pyrolysis
• Standard yield ~60%, Yale method raises to 66%
• Breakthrough: no catalyst needed, lowers cost
• Uses 3D-printed carbon column reactor with varied pore sizes
• Reactor later tested with cheaper carbon felt, yield ~56%
• Bio-oil usable in boilers, turbines, ships, trucks
• Global hope: reduce fossil fuel reliance, fight plastic scourge
• Big challenge: process consumes huge energy, emits CO₂
• Critics call pyrolysis a “fairy tale” by oil industry
• Still, innovation shows path for scalable, cleaner recycling