Preparing Fuel-Range Chemicals via the Direct and Selective Pyrolysis of Disposable Mask Waste for Sustainable Environment

Abstract

After stepping into the pandemic, it has been entirely not bizarre to wear facial masks to diminish the spreading of viruses in human daily outings. Due to the low expense and stable protection capability, disposable masks are the most widely used types of medical masks. By functionalities and medical standards, disposable masks mainly consist of surgical masks and N95/KN95 respirators in the market. In the assembling scheme, there are typically three or more polymeric layers (i.e., mainly polypropylene) in disposable masks; in addition, the ear loops in masks are usually made from textile constituents, such as polyamides. Therefore, the vast utilization and rapid accumulation of disposal mask waste can directly bring an emerging crisis of foreseeable environmental pollution. To minimize and prevent such mask-led microplastic pollution, chemical pyrolysis of mask waste is one of the most feasible and promising strategies. Via the direct and selective pyrolysis of disposable masks, it can effectively convert the mask waste into high-value fuel-range chemicals, e.g., liquid hydrocarbon blends, aromatics, C1–5 gas alkanes/alkenes, hydrogen, etc. In this way, it can not only tackle environmental challenges from plastic waste but also afford sustainable fuels with low carbon emission and circular economy.