Surface Chemical Analysis of Plastic Materials by X‐Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy: Understanding Weathering, Fragmentation and Contaminant Uptake in Marine Environments

ABSTRACT Plastics have become an integral part of modern life due to their durability and versatility. However, their extensive use and subsequent degradation into micro‐ and nanoplastics have raised significant environmental concerns, particularly in aquatic systems. The fragmentation of plastics, a process starting from their surfaces, not only alters their chemical composition but also facilitates the adsorption of various hazardous contaminants, posing further risks to living organisms. Despite extensive research efforts, predicting degradation behavior and subsequent contaminant interactions remain challenging due to the complex and dynamic nature of these processes. Current approaches emphasize the need for advanced surface characterization techniques to unravel these complexities. In this context, X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) has emerged as a powerful tool, capable of providing detailed insights into surface chemical modifications. Motivated by these challenges and opportunities, this Perspective assesses the role of XPS applications to the study of the mechanisms related to plastic fragmentation/weathering and pollutant adsorption.