We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
New Progress in Plastic Degradation and Conversion by Photocatalysis
Summary
This review examines advances in photocatalytic plastic degradation and conversion, covering both the plastic pollution crisis driven by microplastic formation and innovative recycling approaches including primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary methods.
Plastic, a versatile and affordable material, has become integral to modern society but poses significant environmental challenges due to its unsustainable lifecycle and improper disposal practices. Comprising various synthetic polymers, plastics are used in diverse applications from construction to packaging. However, the rapid increase in plastic production and inadequate waste management have resulted in widespread environmental pollution, contaminating soil, water, and air. The plastic pollution crisis is exacerbated by microplastics, which are pervasive in the environment and pose risks to ecosystems and human health. Addressing this crisis requires international cooperation and innovative approaches like recycling and upcycling. Recycling methods—primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary—each offer distinct advantages and disadvantages. Upcycling, focusing on converting plastic waste into valuable products, presents a promising solution. Photocatalysis, a novel method for plastic degradation and conversion, involves using light energy to generate reactive species that decompose plastics. By leveraging these advanced techniques, we can mitigate the environmental impact of plastics and move towards a more sustainable future. This chapter focuses on recent advancements in plastic degradation and conversion through photocatalysis.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Photocatalytic Degradation and Remediation of Microplastics
This review chapter examines photocatalysis as a remediation strategy for microplastic pollution in aquatic and terrestrial environments, describing how solar energy conversion drives chemical reactions that degrade plastic particles. The authors assess the current state of photocatalytic methods, their mechanisms, and their potential for sustainable microplastic removal.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Plastic
This review examines photocatalytic degradation as a method for breaking down plastic waste using light-activated chemical reactions. Photocatalytic approaches could offer a way to degrade both plastic debris and microplastics already present in the environment without generating toxic byproducts.
Countering microplastics pollution with photocatalysis: Challenge and prospects
This review summarized the use of photocatalysis for degrading microplastics, covering catalyst types, reaction mechanisms, and operational parameters, and discussing challenges including the stability of highly polymerized plastics and prospects for scaling photocatalytic treatment to address environmental microplastic pollution.
Photocatalytic Perception for Degradation of Macro- and Micro-plastics
This review examines photocatalytic approaches for degrading both macro- and micro-plastics, surveying semiconductor-based and other photocatalytic systems capable of breaking down persistent plastic polymers in aquatic and terrestrial environments. The paper evaluates the mechanisms, efficiency, and scalability of photocatalysis as a remediation technology alongside conventional plastic waste management strategies.
Photocatalytic Technologies for Transformation and Degradation of Microplastics in the Environment: Current Achievements and Future Prospects
This review examines photocatalytic technologies that use light-activated materials to break down microplastics in the environment. Various catalysts can generate reactive oxygen species that degrade plastic polymers into simpler, less harmful molecules. The authors assess the strengths and limitations of different photocatalytic approaches and highlight the need for scalable solutions that work under real-world environmental conditions.