Carbon materials derived from single-use plastics (SUPs) and their applications in pollution mitigation: Challenges and perspectives

Polymers are extensively utilized in everyday life owing to their low cost, practicality, and chemical stability. This accumulation leads to ecological impacts and microplastic contamination, creating serious environmental concerns. As the consumption of polymer-based materials continues to rise, developing efficient strategies for reusing or recycling plastic waste remains a major obstacle to achieving sustainable development. Converting these non-degradable residues into value-added products represents a promising strategy within the circular economy framework. In recent years, researchers have developed novel carbon-based materials from single-use plastic (SUP) waste using diverse thermal, chemical, and catalytic transformation techniques, including pyrolysis, carbonization, and chemical activation. The development of carbon-based materials from SUPs offers a sustainable approach to addressing pollution by repurposing plastic waste into value-added products. Transforming plastic waste into carbon-based materials is consistent with the principles of the circular economy, turning waste into valuable resources that support achieving the goal of Zero Plastic Waste.