Synergistic co-catalysis by seawater salts and CO2 for degradation of marine microplastics in hydrothermal gasification: Mechanism and modeling based on ReaxFF molecular dynamics

Degradation of Polyethylene Terephthalate Microplastics by Mineral Acids: Experimental, Molecular Modelling and Optimization Studies

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Researchers found that acid rain — formed when atmospheric mineral acids react with oxygen — can degrade polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics, with higher temperatures accelerating breakdown by attacking oxygen-containing parts of the plastic's structure. This suggests that environmental weathering from acid deposition may be an underappreciated factor in how PET plastics fragment into smaller particles in nature.

Case Studies on the Polymer-Water Nexus: Microplastic Degradation Using Catalyzed Wet Oxidation

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Case studies of catalyzed wet oxidation — a process using high temperature, pressure, and chemical catalysts — demonstrated effective degradation of microplastic polymers in water, converting them to smaller organic molecules or CO2. This technology offers a route to complete microplastic elimination from wastewater streams rather than filtration and disposal, which is critical as conventional treatment plants fail to remove a significant fraction of plastic particles.

Experimental and Computational Validation on the Degradation Processes of Polyethylene Terephthalate Microplastics by Mineral Acids and Thermal Treatment

Insights into hydro thermal gasification process of microplastic polyethylene via reactive molecular dynamics simulations

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Researchers used molecular dynamics simulations to study the hydrothermal gasification process of polyethylene microplastics. The study found that temperature and water content significantly affect carbon conversion efficiency and product distribution, providing insights that could help optimize this technology for converting microplastic waste into useful syngas.

ReaxFF molecular dynamics studies on the impact of reaction conditions in polystyrene conversion through hydrothermal gasification

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Researchers used computer simulations to model how hydrothermal gasification — a process that uses hot pressurized water — breaks down polystyrene microplastics into hydrogen-rich syngas, finding that temperature is the key control factor and that water plays a dual role in both aiding and hindering the reaction.