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Critical advances and assessment on chemo-biological conversions of waste polyvinyl chloride
Summary
Researchers reviewed chemical and biological strategies for recycling polyvinyl chloride (PVC) waste — including microbial degradation, thermolysis, photocatalysis, and electrocatalysis — and found thermolysis to be the most practically scalable method, while noting that microbial approaches remain limited by the absence of efficient enzymes and metabolic pathways for PVC breakdown.
The widespread production and consumption of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) present significant ecological challenges, including chronic exposure to humans, microplastic releases, and climate changes. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of innovative strategies for PVC waste conversions through biotic degradation and chemical approaches (e.g. thermolysis, photocatalysis, and electrocatalysis). We critically analyze the challenges and opportunities associated with each recycling/upcycling method of PVC, evaluating five representative techniques-microbial degradation, thermolysis, photocatalysis, and electrocatalysis, based on their environmental impacts, economic viability, and industrial relevance. While microbial degradation shows promise for energy-efficient PVC degradation, it lacks effective metabolic pathways and high-efficiency enzymes. Thermolysis emerges as the most recommended method for PVC recycling/upcycling due to its ease of implementation, operational simplicity, and valuable products, and acceptance for large-scale applications. This review is expected to advance strategies for mitigating plastic wastes and fostering circular economies.
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