Micro‐ and Nano‐Plastic Pollution

Plastic is an artificially produced synthetic polymer synthesized through a process referred to as cracking.Upon infiltrating the environment, plastic waste is gradually split down into smaller particles known as micro-plastics (MPs, with size ranging from 0.1 to 5 mm) and nano-plastics (NPs, which range in size from 1 to 100 nm), together we call these micro-nano-plastics (MNPs).However, MNP particles are highly complex and detailed in their shape, size, density, polymer structure, surface properties, etc.While particle concentrations across various media can differ by as many as ten orders of magnitude, examining such intricate samples can be comparable to searching for a needle in a haystack.MNPs have recently been identified as a significant global environmental pollutant.Studies indicate that as particles travel through the environment, their functional groups bind to organic pollutants such as heavy metals and persistent poisonous chemicals.Advancing eco-friendly plastic conversion technologies is vital for transitioning to a sustainable, less plastic-dependent future.As a result, in recent times, efforts have been undertaken to incorporate nanomaterials and nanostructures into photocatalytic plastic degradation on the basis of developments in smart material technology using simple photocatalysts.Compared to conventional methods, photodegradation of MNPs can offer a more sustainable alternative for waste plastic reprocessing, as it utilizes solar energy as an energy source and operates at room temperature and pressure.Current efforts focus on the strategic design and surface modification to accomplish smart materials able to capture, transport and disperse MPs with varying shapes and chemical compositions.Catalytic materials used in photocatalysis show significant potential for degrading common plastics.As a result, recent advancements in these small, self-moving equipment are anticipated to drive a major breakthrough in environmental rehabilitation.