Advances in Plastic Waste Gasification with Carbon Capture and Storage for Hydrogen Production

Abstract

The increasing usage of plastic and accumulation of plastic waste and the growing demand for low-carbon hydrogen have intensified interest in thermochemical conversion pathways integrated with carbon capture and storage (CCS). This chapter examines recent advances in the gasification of plastic waste for hydrogen production, with particular emphasis on reaction mechanisms, process optimization, and system integration. Fundamental gasification chemistry, including pyrolysis, reforming, cracking, and water-gas shift reactions, is discussed alongside the influence of gasifying agents such as air, oxygen, and steam on syngas composition and hydrogen yield. The role of reactor configurations, including fixed-bed, fluidized-bed, and plasma systems is critically evaluated. In addition, techno-economic assessments and life cycle perspectives are presented to assess commercial viability and environmental performance under CCS integration. Emerging applications of artificial intelligence for process optimization, predictive modeling, and carbon management are also explored. Collectively, the chapter highlights pathways to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and scalability of plastic waste-to-hydrogen systems.