Current Advances in the Photoconversion of Plastics: the Catalysts and Reaction Pathways

Junting Wang, Caiwei Zhang, Yiou Wang*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Plastic waste has caused severe global environmental pollution and health issues due to the high production rate and lack of proper disposal technology. Traditional methods to deal with plastic waste, such as incineration and landfilling, are deemed unsustainable and energy-intensive. A promising alternative is the photocatalytic conversion of plastic waste, using sunlight as a sustainable and carbon-neutral energy source to break down plastic waste under ambient pressure and low temperatures. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of recent advancements in plastic photoconversion, with an emphasis on the catalysts and reaction pathways. The mechanisms and reaction routes are first reviewed, followed by a detailed discussion of strategies to design catalysts for improved performance in photoconversion. Then, examples of photothermal degradation processes are presented. Finally, current strategies, challenges, and possible future directions of plastic photoconversion are summarized and discussed.

Original languageEnglish
JournalChemSusChem
DOIs
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 2024

Keywords

  • mechanism
  • photocatalytic reforming
  • photoconversion
  • photothermal degradation
  • plastic waste
  • reaction pathways

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Wang, J., Zhang, C., & Wang, Y. (Accepted/In press). Current Advances in the Photoconversion of Plastics: the Catalysts and Reaction Pathways. ChemSusChem. https://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.202401700