Trash to Treasure: Co-Pyrolysis of PET Plastic and Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis for Sustainable Syngas Production

The growing plastic waste, particularly Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), presents a significant environmental challenge. Co-pyrolysis, a thermochemical method that breaks down mixed feedstocks in the absence of oxygen, offers a potential solution for converting plastic waste into useful resources. This study investigates the co-pyrolysis process by heating PET plastic in combination with Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis (HRS), an easily accessible biomass source, to determine its potential for sustainable biofuel production. The results demonstrate that a mixture of 50% PET and 50% HRS produces higher yields of Carbon Monoxide (CO), Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), Methane (CH₄), and Hydrogen (H₂) compared to the pyrolysis of each material individually. At a temperature of 432 °C, the mixture achieved peak productions of CO at 293 ppm, CO₂ at 400 ppm, CH₄ at 150 ppm, and H₂ at 120 ppm. These findings indicate a strong synergy between PET and HRS, enhancing the efficiency of producing desirable gases for more efficient syngas production. This research contributes to the development of more environmentally friendly and economical syngas production technologies, supporting global efforts in climate change mitigation and the transition towards a low-carbon economy.