Abstract:
The rapid growth of the global plastic waste burden and the concurrent demand for low-carbon energy have driven research into thermochemical routes that convert post-consumer plastics into hydrogen. This review will provide a comprehensive analysis of the integrated pyrolysis, distillation, hydrotreatment processing chain and examine the current state of depolymerising mixed plastics, fractionating condensates, and upgrading intermediates. The study will also focus on innovations in reactor concepts and catalyst design that improve yield and mitigate issues such as coke formation and tar production. Critical barriers to industrial scale-up are feedstock heterogeneity, catalyst poisoning, and high energy intensity. This study will provide a roadmap for future research centred on heat-integrated modular processes, robust catalyst regeneration strategies, and rigorous techno-economic assessments to overcome the challenges and realise the potential of plastic as a viable circular feedstock.
Biography:
Dr. Nur Hassan is a Senior Lecturer and Discipline Leader in Mechanical Engineering at CQUniversity, with extensive experience in experimental studies and numerical simulations in fluid flow systems, heat transfer, and renewable energy, particularly Green Hydrogen energy production, storage, and fuel cell technologies. He holds a Ph.D. from Central Queensland University and has supervised numerous RHD students in these areas. With over 70 published scientific articles, including in reputed journals and conferences, Dr. Hassan has made significant contributions to his field, authoring three edited books and nine book chapters.
Dr. Hassan has been recognized for his teaching and research excellence, receiving several prestigious awards, including the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Exemplary Practice in Learning and Teaching (2021) and the Vice-Chancellor’s Publication Recognition Award (2016). He is a Chartered Professional Engineer and a member of several professional organizations, including Engineers Australia and the Australasian Fluid Mechanics Society.
In addition to his academic and professional accomplishments, Dr. Hassan is an active contributor to the academic community, serving on the Editorial Board of Energy Journal (Elsevier). He is also involved in various leadership roles, including the Cairns Academic Leadership committee and the School of Engineering and Technology Indigenisation Committee at CQUniversity, where he plays a key role in indigenizing the curriculum. His broad expertise and leadership in both research and education continue to influence the fields of mechanical engineering and renewable energy.
