Alexander Eng
Chemical engineering
Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ, US
Graduation date: Spring 2028
Additional details: Honors student
FURI | Fall 2026, Needs Review
Polyethylene Upcycling
The growing accumulation of single-use polyethylene waste presents an environmental challenge that may be remedied through chemical upcycling. This research project seeks to address this using tandem catalytic dehydrogenation and olefin metathesis to convert polyethylene into high-value hydrocarbons. By tuning reaction kinetics and olefin co-reactants, we hypothesize that the catalytic selectivity and molecular weight distribution of product molecules can be controlled. This route would enable conversion of post-consumer polyethylene waste into high performance lubricants or surfactant grade olefins, creating a positive economic and environmental impact by upcycling low value waste into high value industrial resources.
Mentor: Zachariah Berkson
It’s hip to be square.
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