This research aims to develop the application of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) as a newly emerging technique for transforming plastic waste into valuable products (zero-waste economy approach).

The first part focuses on the experimental conditions (lab scale and upscale) and their effect on solid product yield (hydrochar) and composition. The latter is important with respect to the wide range of potential applications, including solid recovered fuels, catalysts, direct carbon fuel cells and supercapacitors.

The second part addresses the liquid phase composition. Especially, this oil can be catalytically upgraded, so that it serves as a potential feedstock for the production of fuels and building blocks for the chemical industry.

To better understand the link between the feedstock types and products, the hydrochar (solid), oil and corresponding upgraded products will be analyzed for their chemical composition and physical characteristics, as part of process optimization.