Efficient polyolefin plastic upcycling into jet fuel components over a Fe/Beta catalyst in decalin

Jet-range hydrocarbons were produced from polyolefin waste via a one-pot conversion of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) in decalin using a bifunctional Fe/Beta catalyst. Operating at 300 °C for 90 min afforded a liquid yield of 84.0 wt%, with 96.9 area% in the kerosene cut (C 8 –C 16 ). The liquid product is rich in cycloalkanes (61.8 area%) and paraffins (24.4 area%), while aromatics remain limited (13.8 area%), consistent with aviation fuel specifications. Structure–performance analysis links the high activity and selectivity to uniformly dispersed Fe nanoparticles (2–5 nm) cooperating with tuned Brønsted/Lewis acidity on Beta zeolite. This metal–acid synergy enables controlled C–C scission and efficient hydrogenation, suppressing olefin accumulation and over-aromatization, thereby enhancing fuel quality. The results demonstrate a practical, mild route to upgrade plastic waste into drop-in jet-fuel components.