 Ethylene is a key component in many plastic products, and its production has traditionally been based on steam cracking of hydrocarbon feedstocks. However, due to rising oil prices, researchers are looking for more sustainable alternatives. In this paper, several catalysts and reaction engineering techniques were evaluated for their potential use in industrial applications. The most promising results came from a nano-catalyst HCSM-5, which was able to achieve high ethylene yields at low reaction temperatures, 240 degrees Celsius, and long lifespans, 630 hours. Additionally, a microreactor system with mechanical vapor recompression was used to further improve efficiency. Finally, the authors suggest that algal-based ethanol could be used as a renewable source of ethylene. This article was authored by Hoshing Wu, Dujong Dai, and Denise Fan.