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- Catalytic polymer processing and upcycling (IN-18-075), (IN-19-098), (IN-19-144)
A method of upcycling polymers to useful hydrocarbon materials. A catalyst with nanoparticles on a substrate selectively docks and cleaves longer hydrocarbon chains over shorter hydrocarbon chains. The catalyst includes metal nanoparticles in an order array on a substrate, and the nanoparticles exhibit an edge to facet ratio to provide for more interactions with the facets. The catalyst can be used to produce lubricants with superior tribological performance.