Interfacial W–O–Zr ensembles in tungstated zirconia catalysts enable efficient hydrogen-free recycling of polypropylene waste

Nature Communications, Published online: 22 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-73420-6 Chemical recycling of plastics often requires harsh conditions, costly hydrogen, noble metals, or complex catalysts with challenging design. Here, the authors report hydrogen- and solvent-free depolymerization of polypropylene consumer goods at mild temperatures, achieving >80% yield into gasoline hydrocarbons with stable performance.