By Rita Okoye

Plastic pollution and energy shortages are two of the world’s most pressing challenges, and one Nigerian-born researcher is tackling both.

 Afeez Kareem Adebayo, a graduate research assistant in chemical engineering at the University of Utah, is leading innovative work that converts plastic waste and coal into synthetic fuels like jet fuel and ethanol.

Afeez’s research focuses on co-gasification, a process that blends coal and plastic waste to produce syngas, a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. This syngas is refined into clean energy products, offering solutions to both environmental pollution and energy demand. “Innovation is not just about creating new technologies,” he says. “It’s about transforming challenges into opportunities for a sustainable future.”

The global issue of plastic waste is particularly acute in Nigeria, where rapid urbanization has strained waste management systems. Nigeria generates an estimated 2.5 million tons of plastic waste annually, with much of it clogging waterways and damaging ecosystems. Afeez believes his work could inspire better resource management in his home country while addressing similar issues worldwide.

“Growing up in Ibadan, I saw the consequences of poor waste management firsthand,” Afeez explains. “That experience shaped my commitment to finding solutions that balance energy production and environmental sustainability.” His process is designed to be scalable, making it suitable for countries like Nigeria, where energy infrastructure and environmental protection must go hand in hand.

Globally, the aviation industry is under increasing pressure to adopt cleaner fuels to reduce carbon emissions. Afeez’s synthetic jet fuel provides an alternative that supports the transition to more sustainable energy systems. His work has already caught the attention of major industrial players like Eastman Chemical Company and has received funding from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Afeez remains deeply engaged with the latest advancements in energy systems. By attending conferences and mentoring students, he stays connected to emerging technologies like hydrogen production and carbon capture, which he integrates into his projects.

Looking ahead, Afeez aspires to collaborate with international researchers and industry leaders to expand his work’s impact. His ultimate goal is to create energy solutions that not only address global challenges but also drive innovation in countries like Nigeria.

“In every step of my research,” Afeez shares, “I am driven by the belief that sustainable energy solutions are key to a cleaner, more resilient world.”