Summary: UCLA researchers in the department of mechanical and aerospace engineering have developed a novel technology that utilizes concentrated solar radiation to convert petroleum refinery hydrocarbons into light olefins with no CO2 emissions and generates a high-value graphitic carbon co-product.
Title: Emissions-Free Olefin Synthesis via Concentrated Solar-Thermal Pyrolysis for Cleaner Plastics
Background: As plastic consumption continues to rise, the demand for light olefins is projected to increase over the coming decades. Light olefins, notably ethylene and propylene, are the precursors to high/low density polyethylene and polypropylene, which represent around 50% of the global plastic production. These plastics are commonly seen in food containers, automotive parts, medical devices, and more. Produced through the steam-cracking of natural gas liquids (NGL), conventional plastic production emits high levels of CO2. Additionally, conventional steam crackers can have weeks of downtime due to the need to decoke furnace walls, arising from the deposition of carbon. To address these limitations, an alternative technology that can cleanly produce light olefins is needed.
Innovation: Researchers at UCLA have developed an emissions-free olefin synthesis process that utilizes concentrated solar radiation for cleaner plastic production. Using concentrated solar power (CSP), the alternative olefin production process induces a rapid pyrolysis reaction. This novel process produces zero CO2 emissions and minimizes downtime through the mitigation of coking. Additionally, it produces a valuable graphitic carbon coproduct which can be used for applications such as battery electrodes. This novel process for olefin synthesis has the potential to transform plastic production through the mitigation of production downtime, zero carbon emissions, and its valuable coproduct.
Potential Applications:
● Plastic Manufacturing
○ Consumer goods - containers, toys, etc.
○ Automotive parts - lightweight parts, dashboard, etc.
○ Medical - PPE, medical devices, etc.
○ synthetic fibers
● Energy Storage (coproduct)
○ battery electrodes
Advantages:
● Zero Carbon Emissions
● Minimal Downtime
● Valuable Coproduct
Development-To-Date: First description of complete invention.
Reference: UCLA Case No. 2025-008
Lead Inventor: Anil Nair