The Catalytic Performance of ZrO2-SO4 and Ni/ZrO2-SO4 Prepared from Commercial ZrO2 in Hydrocracking of LDPE Plastic Waste into Liquid Fuels

Catalytic activity and selectivity toward liquid fuels production of ZrO2, SZ, 0.5NiSZ, 1.0NiSZ, and 1.5NiSZ catalysts with different physicochemical properties, in hydrocracking process upon the second stage of sequential LDPE plastic conversion method after pyrolysis process, were examined. The hydrocracking reaction was carried out at 300 degrees C under 20 mL/min. of hydrogen gas flow for 1 h. Modifying commercial ZrO2 with sulfate and Ni enhances the acidity of catalyst, even though there is a decrease in surface area. The increase in acidity of catalyst results in the higher liquid fuels conversion. The presence of nickel reduces olefins content and aromatic content of liquid product, and also reduces coke formation. The highest liquid yield (44.32%) that composed by 66.25% fraction of gasoline is produced over 1.5NiSZ which has the highest catalyst acidity.