Recent advances in photocatalytic degradation of plastics and plastic-derived chemicals

Ouyang, Zenglin; Yang, Yang; Zhang, Chen; Zhu, Shumin; Qin, Lei; Wang, Wenjun; He, Danping; Zhou, Yin; Luo, Hanzhuo; Qin, Fanzhi

doi:10.1039/d0ta12465f

Cited by 152 publications

(93 citation statements)

References 253 publications

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“…Solar-driven polyolefin degradation has been in-depth investigated thanks to the low energy consumption and mild reaction conditions compared to other heat-assisted degradation processes of organic materials. 88,89 This strategy generally uses oxide semiconductor materials (TiO 2 , ZnO, ZrO 2 , etc.) [90][91][92][93][94] as photocatalysts for polyolefin decomposition, but their performances are always unsatisfactory.…”

Section: Photocatalysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Sustainable chemical upcycling of waste polyolefins by heterogeneous catalysis

Chu

Yang

et al. 2022

SusMat

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The mass production of disposable polyolefin products has led to serious plastic pollution and an imbalance between manufacturing and recycling. Given these challenges, the chemical upcycling of waste polyolefins has attracted extensive attention due to its high efficiency and economic benefits. Herein, we review the development of polyolefin chemical upcycling in heterogeneous catalysis. The status quo of polyolefin recycling is first discussed. We then introduce the advanced strategies for chemical upcycling in the view of different value‐added products and discuss their challenges and prospects. Our in‐depth analysis centers on the catalytic mechanism and the design principle of heterogeneous catalysts. Finally, we outlook the promising directions to facilitate the degradation process via polymer and catalyst design and optimized catalytic engineering. Innovative strategies are expected to promote the chemical upcycling of polyolefins, bringing great promise for the sustainable development of society.

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Section: Photocatalysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Sustainable chemical upcycling of waste polyolefins by heterogeneous catalysis

Chu

Yang

et al. 2022

SusMat

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“…Among various strategies for plastic waste treatment, photodegradation is an eco‐friendly and viable way to remove plastic wastes, which can directly utilize solar energy to convert plastics into CO 2 and H 2 O under mild conditions of ambient pressure and temperature. [ 90 ] In this section, we summarize the photodegradation processes and mechanisms, and give an overview of recent advances and studies on plastics photodegradation.…”

Section: Photodegradation Of Plastic Wastesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Moreover, the previous reviews on photocatalytic conversion have mainly been dedicated to the photodegradation of plastics. [90][91][92][93][94] Since the photosynthetic upcycling of plastic wastes is more attractive, herein, we provide a timely and critical review on photocatalytic transformations of plastics with an emphasis on the selective generation of high-value products. The unique photocatalytic mechanism and the selective CC and CH bond cleavage photochemistry will be discussed to provide key insights into the design of highperformance photocatalytic systems for plastics valorization.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Photocatalytic Conversion of Plastic Waste: From Photodegradation to Photosynthesis

Chu

Zhang

Zhao

et al. 2022

Advanced Energy Materials

100

106

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Plastic waste remains a global challenge due to the massive amounts being produced without satisfactory treatment technologies for recycling and upcycling. Photocatalytic processes are emerging as green and promising approaches to upcycle plastics into value‐added products under mild conditions using sunlight as the energy source. In this review, the recent advances in plastic conversion through photocatalysis have been comprehensively summarized. Special emphasis is placed on the photocatalytic mechanism and the selective CC and CH bond transformations of plastics to access fuels, chemicals, and materials. Finally, the challenges and the perspectives on establishing a new paradigm toward a sustainable and circular plastic economy are also put forward.

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“…Photocatalysis is a promising approach for the definitive elimination of microplastics since it necessitates only a photocatalyst, light, and water. [71][72][73] It is based on ROS generation due to the reaction between photogenerated electron-hole pairs in the semiconductor and water, which oxidize and dissociate pollutants until they are mineralized into CO 2 and water. [74] For light-powered microrobots, the ROS formation occurs simultaneously to microrobots' motion.…”

Section: Photocatalytic Degradation Of Microplastics In Confined Spacesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nano/Microplastics Capture and Degradation by Autonomous Nano/Microrobots: A Perspective

Urso

Pumera

2022

Adv Funct Materials

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The growing use of plastic materials has led to the continuous accumulation of wastes in marine environments, which fragment into hazardous micro‐and nanoplastics. These plastic particles absorb toxic organic pollutants on their surface, support bacterial biofilms growth, and propagate through the food chain, posing serious risks for human health. Therefore, nano/microplastics pollution has become a global issue, making their definitive elimination compulsory. Self‐propelled nano/microrobots have demonstrated efficient removal of nano/microplastics from water, combining enhanced physicochemical properties of nano/microscale materials and active motion. During the last year, the potential of this technology to degrade nano/microplastics has been investigated. Here, the most advanced strategies for nano/microplastics capture and subsequent degradation by autonomous nano/microrobots are critically reviewed. A short introduction to the main propulsion mechanisms and experimental techniques for studying nano/microplastics degradation is also provided. Forthcoming challenges in this research field are discussed proactively. This perspective inspires future nano/microrobotic designs and approaches for water purification from nano/microplastics and other emerging pollutants.

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Recent advances in photocatalytic degradation of plastics and plastic-derived chemicals

Abstract: Plastic products, used in almost all aspects of daily life because of their low cost, durability, and portability, could be broken down into micro- and nano-scale plastics, thereby increasing the...

Cited by 152 publications

References 253 publications

Sustainable chemical upcycling of waste polyolefins by heterogeneous catalysis

Sustainable chemical upcycling of waste polyolefins by heterogeneous catalysis

Photocatalytic Conversion of Plastic Waste: From Photodegradation to Photosynthesis

Nano/Microplastics Capture and Degradation by Autonomous Nano/Microrobots: A Perspective

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