Circular Carbon Economies: Converting Petroleum Byproducts into High-Value Chemicals via Catalytic Upcycling

The traditional model of the petrochemical industry in the form of a linear take-make-dispose system is not environmentally and economically sustainable. The paper explores why catalytic upcycling is a pivotal technology to transform the sector to a healthy Circular Carbon Economy (CCE). We treat at length advanced catalytic methodologies with regard to low-value petroleum byproducts, namely heavy oil residues, petroleum coke, and refinery off-gases (CH4, CO2). The essence goal is to chart the transformation of these rich, low-H/C feedstocks into particular, high worth chemical monomers and intermediates (e.g., olefins, polyols, carbon nanomaterials). Also, we offer a Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) model and a preliminary Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the financial feasibility and environmental profitability of these processes in comparison with the traditional manufacturing. The results highlight the fact that catalytic upcycling is not just a waste management solution but a paradigm shift, as it is a petrochemical industry that can unlock the latent economic potential at the same time incurring a much smaller carbon footprint on the planet.