Engineering Microporous Zn-Functionalized Carbon Catalysts for Controllable Chain Cracking and Aromatization in Polyethylene Upcycling

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis further uncovered a previously unrecognized carbenium ion anchoring mechanism in which PE-derived intermediates were stabilized on acid sites to steer isomerization and chain-cracking pathways with molecular precision. The ability of this cascade system to efficiently convert real-life PE waste highlighted its robustness and practical relevance, offering a scalable and controllable route for chemical upcycling of polyolefins within a circular-economy framework.