In this study, co-pyrolysis of single-use face mask (for the protection against
COVID-19) and
food waste was investigated for the purpose of energy and resource valorization of the waste materials. To this end, disposable face mask (a piece of
personal protective equipment) was pyrolyzed to produce fuel-range chemicals. The pyrolytic gas evolved from the pyrolysis of the single-use face mask consisted primarily of non-condensable permanent
hydrocarbons such as CH4, C2H4, C2H6, C3H6, and C3H8. An increase in pyrolysis temperature enhanced the non-condensable
hydrocarbon yields. The pyrolytic gas had a HHV of >40 MJ kg-1. In addition,
hydrocarbons with wider
carbon number ranges (e.g.,
gasoline-, jet
fuel-, diesel-, and motor oil-range
hydrocarbons) were produced in the pyrolysis of the disposable face mask. The yields of the
gasoline-, jet fuel-, and diesel-range
hydrocarbons obtained from the single-use mask were highest at 973 K. The pyrolysis of the single-use face mask yielded 14.7 wt%
gasoline-, 18.4 wt% jet fuel-, 34.1 wt% diesel-, and 18.1 wt% motor oil-range
hydrocarbons. No solid char was produced via the pyrolysis of the disposable face mask. The addition of
food waste to the pyrolysis feedstock led to the formation of char, but the presence of the single-use face mask did not affect the properties and energy content of the char. More H2 and less
hydrocarbons were produced by co-feeding
food waste in the pyrolysis of the disposable face mask. The results of this study can contribute to thermochemical management and utilization of everyday waste as a source of energy.