New method turns plastic waste into fuel
A novel molten salt-based system converts polyethylene waste into gasoline- and diesel-like fuels for transportation and manufacturing (Credit: Jacquelyn DeMink/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy)
April 10, 2026 – Scientists at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have developed a method to convert plastic waste into fuel using molten salts. In this process, polyethylene is heated in a salt mixture that acts as both a solvent and a catalyst.
A key advantage is the low operating temperature – below 200 °C – compared to 450 to 500 °C in conventional methods. This improves energy efficiency. The process also avoids the need for expensive catalysts or hydrogen.
Experiments show that around 60 percent of the plastic can be converted into fuel similar to gasoline and diesel. The team has applied for a patent on the technology.
