Mixed plastic to hydrogen via ATT

Researchers co-led by UCLA Samueli School of Engineering and Ewha Womans University have demonstrated a new chemical process called alkaline thermal treatment (ATT) that converts mixed plastic waste (PET, PE, PP) directly into high-purity hydrogen fuel at temperatures 300-400°C lower than conventional gasification. The process locks carbon dioxide away as solid sodium carbonate, preventing its release into the atmosphere. Published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study shows hydrogen purities exceeding 90% without requiring plastic sorting. The ATT method was adapted from a carbon-neutral biomass conversion technique. Further optimization and economic evaluation are needed before commercial deployment.