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Photocatalytic degradation of microplastics: From efficiency assessment to rational system design
Summary
Photocatalysis—using light-activated materials to chemically break down plastics—is a promising technology for degrading microplastics, but inconsistent experimental designs make it nearly impossible to compare results across studies. This review proposes the first analytically driven framework that maps how reaction conditions, catalyst properties, and plastic characteristics should guide the choice of measurement technique. By clarifying which analytical tools are appropriate under which conditions, the framework helps researchers design more rigorous experiments and accelerate the development of effective microplastic degradation technologies.
The photocatalytic degradation of microplastics (MPs) lacks standardized analytical workflows. This gap severely hinders the comparison of studies and the interpretation of degradation mechanisms. The current literature is fragmented, as results depend on a complex mix of reaction conditions, material properties, and the intrinsic limitations of the analytical techniques themselves. This review introduces the first analytically driven framework to rationalize experimental design in this field. We systematically deconstruct the process into critical factor groups: environmental/operational parameters, photocatalyst properties, polymer characteristics and surface interaction and pretreatment. Crucially, we map how these factors directly impact the choice, applicability, and reliability of key analytical techniques, such as microscopic, spectroscopic, chromatographic, and thermal analyses. Thus, the proposed framework provides a clear roadmap for designing more rigorous and comparable studies on the photocatalytic degradation of MPs. It addresses a critical methodological gap, facilitating clearer insights into degradation features.