Structure–Property Relationships for Nickel Aluminate Catalysts in Polyethylene Hydrogenolysis with Low Methane Selectivity

Earth-abundant metals have recently been demonstrated as cheap catalyst alternatives to scarce noble metals for polyethylene hydrogenolysis. However, high methane selectivities hinder industrial feasibility. Herein, we demonstrate that low-temperature ex-situ reduction (350 °C) of coprecipitated nickel aluminate catalysts yields a methane selectivity of <5% at moderate polymer deconstruction (25-45%). A reduction temperature up to 550 °C increases the methane selectivity nearly sevenfold. Catalyst characterization (XRD, XAS,