Scalable decomposition-catalysis of disposable COVID-19 face mask over self-assembly metal-doping carbocatalysts for tunable value-added products

This study explored a scalable decomposition-catalysis route to effectively valorize disposable COVID-19 face mask into tunable value-added products. The metal-doping carbonaceous catalysts (M/Cs) were successfully synthesized through a single-step energy-efficient thermal process. The modest decomposition-catalysis of face mask over Zn/C gave rise to a relatively high yield (73.52%) of liquid oil with 99% of selectivity toward jet fuel range (C 8 – C 16 ) hydrocarbons. Besides, the scalable decomposition-catalysis of face mask over Ni(50)/C at 800 ℃ was observed to thoroughly transform face mask into gas with the cumulative gas yield of 967 NmL/g mask , involving 49.90 vol% of H 2 and 40.90 vol% of CH 4 . Moreover, a dense, entangled growth of carbon nanotubes were formed on the surface of M/Cs. In brief, this study developed a scalable and promising route by using M/Cs for the valorization of COVID-19 face mask into hydrocarbon fuel or coupling harvest of H 2 -enriched fuel gas and carbon nanotubes. • COVID-19 face mask was first disposed by a scalable decomposition-catalysis route. • Tunable hydrocarbon fuel, H 2 -enriched fuel gas, and carbon nanotubes was achieved. • Zn/C at 500 °C obtained 73.52 wt% of liquid yield and 99% of C 8 – C 16 hydrocarbons. • Successive 7 cycles of Zn/C showed 59 wt% of liquid production with 42% of C 9 H 18. • 49.90 vol% of H 2 in gas (967 NmL/g mask ) was gained over Ni(50)/C at 800 °C.