Synthesis and photocatalytic performance of recycled PET/BiVO4 microfiber for methylene blue degradation

Advanced photocatalytic materials for micro/nanoplastic degradation: A comprehensive review

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Tiny plastic particles called micro- and nanoplastics are turning up everywhere, in our oceans, soil, and likely our bodies, raising concerns about long-term health effects. This review rounds up the latest science on using light-activated materials (photocatalysts) to break down these plastic particles, including newer "green" methods made from plants, algae, and bacteria that could make cleanup cheaper and more eco-friendly. While these technologies are still being developed rather than ready for widespread use, they represent a promising direction for tackling plastic pollution at its source.

Nanotechnology-Enhanced Photocatalysis for Microplastic Degradation: A Sustainable Approach

Environmental Justifications of MXene towards Photocatalytic Capture and Conversion of Micro‐ and Nano‐Plastic

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Tiny plastic particles called micro- and nanoplastics are showing up everywhere, including in our bodies, and scientists are searching for ways to break them down. This review paper (which summarizes existing research rather than presenting new experiments) looks at a promising material called MXene that can absorb plastic particles and use light to help chemically destroy them. While the technology is still being developed and isn't yet ready for widespread use, it points to a potential future tool for cleaning up plastic pollution before it accumulates in our water, food, and bodies.

Photocatalytic-Driven Self-Degradation of Polyester Microplastics Under Solar Light

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"Researchers synthesized a polyester fiber modified with a g-C3N4/TiO2 photocatalyst that can self-degrade under solar illumination, achieving near-complete breakdown into CO2 and water after 400 hours of light exposure. Designing plastics that decompose under sunlight rather than fragmenting into persistent microplastics offers a proactive materials-level strategy to reduce the volume of synthetic polymer pollution entering ecosystems."

Photocatalytic Degradation of Microplastic in the Environment

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Researchers reviewed photocatalytic degradation as a promising approach for breaking down microplastics in the environment, finding it may offer advantages over incineration and filtration — though practical challenges around scale and efficiency remain.