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Isolated Ni atoms enable alkali-free photoreforming of waste polylactic acid plastic
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Researchers designed a nickel-based catalyst that can break down polylactic acid (PLA) plastic waste using sunlight, converting it into hydrogen fuel and pyruvic acid without needing harsh chemicals. Although PLA is marketed as biodegradable, this solar-powered recycling approach offers a cleaner and more valuable end-of-life option to prevent PLA from degrading into microplastics in the environment.
Although polylactic acid is a promising biodegradable plastic, its slow degradation under natural conditions, microplastic formation, and CO2 emissions during decomposition undermine its sustainability. Photoreforming offers a promising strategy for polylactic acid conversion; however, current methods suffer from sluggish kinetics and low selectivity. Here, we design a Ni single-atom catalyst anchored on CdS (Ni/CdS) to enable alkali-free photoreforming of real polylactic acid plastic waste under mild conditions. Ni single atom sites facilitate sequential cleavage of α-OH and Cα-H bonds, enabling efficient H2 evolution and significantly improving the yield and selectivity of polylactic acid conversion to H2 and pyruvic acid, achieving an apparent quantum efficiency of 46%. Furthermore, we successfully scaled up the synthesis of Ni/CdS and implemented a square-meter-scale reaction system, demonstrating stable outdoor photoreforming of real polylactic acid plastic waste under sunlight. This work paves a promising pathway for solar-driven upcycling of polylactic acid plastic waste.
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Researchers developed a new light-powered catalyst that can break down polylactic acid (PLA) plastic waste in seawater, converting it into useful chemicals and hydrogen fuel. The catalyst uses precisely arranged platinum and boron atoms to efficiently drive the chemical reaction. While focused on cleanup technology rather than health effects, this work offers a promising approach to reducing plastic pollution in the ocean before it breaks down into microplastics.
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Researchers developed a method to convert polylactic acid, a common biodegradable plastic, into valuable hydrocarbon chemicals using a singlet oxygen-driven catalytic process. The approach uses copper-magnesium co-doped nickel sulfides with oxygen vacancies to selectively break down PLA at specific chemical bonds. Techno-economic and life cycle analyses suggest the process could reduce carbon emissions while providing favorable economic returns, offering a potential solution for recycling biodegradable plastic waste.
Photoreforming of Nonrecyclable Plastic Waste over a Carbon Nitride/Nickel Phosphide Catalyst
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A carbon nitride/nickel phosphide photocatalyst was used to photoreform non-recyclable PET and PLA plastic waste at ambient temperature, producing clean hydrogen fuel and organic chemicals without precious metals or toxic components. The study demonstrates a low-energy, scalable approach to converting plastic waste into valuable chemical feedstocks using sunlight.
Synergistic Effect of Ru–Ni Nanoparticles for Enhanced Amination Upcycling of Polylactic Acid Plastic Waste into Alanine
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Scientists have developed a new catalyst that can break down PLA plastic (a common "biodegradable" plastic used in food packaging and utensils) and transform it into alanine, an amino acid used in food and health products. This matters because it turns plastic waste into something useful instead of letting it linger in landfills or break into microplastics that can end up in our food and water—offering a promising way to recycle plastic while reducing pollution.
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Researchers developed a process combining enzyme treatment with solar-powered chemistry to break down polyester plastics into clean hydrogen fuel and valuable chemicals. The enzymatic step first breaks the plastic into smaller molecules under mild conditions, and then sunlight drives the conversion into useful products. The study demonstrates a sustainable way to upcycle plastic waste, including nanoplastics, using renewable energy rather than harsh industrial processes.
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