Defect-engineered polyamide microplastic-derived carbon quantum dots with tunable optoelectronic properties and UV-blocking PVA composite films for fruit preservation

Influence of carbon nanomaterials on microplastic release from polymer composites

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Plastics are increasingly blended with carbon-based materials like graphene and carbon nanotubes to make them stronger, but this review of existing research finds that these additives can either reduce or worsen the shedding of microplastics, tiny plastic particles now found in our air, water, and even our bodies, depending on the specific materials and conditions involved. Because results vary so much between studies, scientists don't yet have a clear answer on whether these popular high-tech plastics are safer or riskier for microplastic exposure, highlighting the need for standardized testing before we can know their true impact on human health.

Carbon-Based Nanocomposites for Degradation of Microplastic: Current Advances and Future Perspectives

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Researchers reviewed advances in carbon-based nanocomposites — including graphene and carbon nanotubes — as catalysts for degrading microplastics in aquatic environments, finding that their exceptional surface area and tunable chemistry enable efficient adsorption and oxidative breakdown of plastic polymers, though real-world deployment remains in early stages.

Colorimetric and fluorescent probes based on carbon dots: for visual detection of different types of microplastics

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This study applied remote sensing techniques to detect ocean plastic accumulations off the South African coast, using satellite imagery to identify surface plastic concentrations. The research demonstrates the feasibility of satellite-based plastic monitoring in the South Atlantic and Indian Ocean convergence zone.

Carbon Quantum Dots: Future Photocatalysts for Wastewater Management

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Researchers reviewed carbon quantum dots (CQDs) as multifunctional nanomaterials capable of detecting and photocatalytically degrading microplastics in water, leveraging their fluorescence properties and high electron transfer efficiency. The dual detection-and-degradation capability of CQDs offers a promising platform for integrated water treatment systems that can both identify microplastic contamination and actively eliminate it from drinking water and wastewater streams.

Efficient Fabrication Process of a Metallic Nano Dot Array on a Plastic Substrate by the Nano-Plastic Forming Assisted Thermal Dewetting Method