UCSB researchers have discovered a new way to transform waste plastic into valuable products using an innovative catalytic method. Compared with conventional methods that require high energy input to break down polymer chains into hydrocarbon liquids, the newly developed method converts polyethylene in a simple, on-pot process without the need for expensive hydrogen or solvent, and with little energy required. Hydrogen is formed by the process itself, and is essential to the decrease in molecular size. The result is valuable molecules formed directly from waste plastics, and ready for use in solvents, paints, lubricants, detergents, pharmaceuticals, and many other industrial and consumer products.