Key Advances in Plastic Waste Valorization for Clean Hydrogen: WASTE2H2 General Assembly at FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg

On September 17-18, 2024, the WASTE2H2 consortium convened at FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (Germany) for its first General Assembly, marking an important milestone in the project’s progress. Over two days of in-depth discussions and presentations, project partners reviewed the achievements made in the first six months and outlined the next steps toward the development of innovative ionic liquid-based catalytic systems for the valorization of plastic waste into clean hydrogen and decarbonized chemicals.

The meeting featured detailed updates on key research areas, including:

• Selection, synthesis, and characterization of ionic liquids (ILs) for catalytic applications, integrating computational and experimental approaches to optimize their efficiency.
• Development of IL-based catalytic systems, focusing on improving their performance for converting plastic waste into hydrogen under various conditions.
• Catalytic testing under microwave conditions, analyzing the reaction mechanisms and product formation.
• Assessment and exploitation strategies, ensuring that the project outcomes align with industrial applications and market potential.
• Project coordination and management, including deliverable tracking, risk assessment, and periodic reporting.
• Dissemination and communication activities, strengthening visibility and engagement with stakeholders.

Beyond the technical discussions, attendees had the opportunity to visit FAU’s research facilities, gaining insights into the advanced infrastructure supporting the project’s experimental work. The event also facilitated networking and collaboration among partners, reinforcing the collective effort to advance sustainable plastic waste valorization technologies.

The WASTE2H2 consortium extends its gratitude to FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg for hosting the General Assembly and to all project partners for their valuable contributions. As the project moves forward, the consortium remains committed to developing innovative, efficient, and scalable solutions for clean hydrogen production and the circular economy.