Chinese scientists have developed a new method to directly manufacture rubber and plastic from a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide gases, an advance that could reduce industrial reliance on fossil fuels.
Olefins, or organic compounds, derived from petroleum are the building blocks for many polymers, including commonly used plastic and rubber products.
This has directly amplified the carbon footprint of the entire industry.
While alternatives exist – such as the use of a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide gases called syngas from decomposing organic matter – these have been shown