Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a novel process that transforms polyethylene plastic waste into gasoline and diesel-like fuels using inexpensive aluminum-based molten salts. The method, which operates under relatively mild conditions (below 200 degrees Celsius), breaks down long plastic molecules into smaller hydrocarbons without requiring noble-metal catalysts, organic solvents, or external hydrogen. The process achieves a gasoline yield of approximately 60% and represents a significant advancement over traditional pyrolysis methods that typically require temperatures of 450-500 degrees Celsius. The research team, led by Sheng Dai and Liqi Qiu, utilized advanced analytical techniques including soft X-ray spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and neutron scattering to understand the chemical mechanisms involved. They discovered that aluminum-based catalytic sites create highly acidic conditions that split polyethylene chains into smaller fuel molecules. The technology has been patented and published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. The researchers note that while the aluminum-based system is cost-effective and chemically active, it has a limitation: the material is hygroscopic (absorbs water), which can reduce stability. Future work will focus on improving salt stability through confinement methods using halogens or carbon-based materials. This innovation could contribute to U.S. energy security and industrial competitiveness by providing a new pathway for converting plastic waste into valuable transportation fuels. The research was supported by the DOE Office of Science and utilized several DOE user facilities, including the Spallation Neutron Source and the Advanced Light Source.