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Catalysis for the Upcycling of Polymers
Summary
This review surveys catalytic strategies — including heterogeneous, biocatalytic, and electrochemical approaches — for breaking down waste plastics into high-value chemicals and raw materials, presenting an overview of how these upcycling technologies address the growing challenge of plastic waste disposal and resource recovery.
Plastics are essential in contemporary society for their durability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. However, the ever-mounting prevalence of plastic waste has become a major concern, as plastics lose their value once their initial purpose is fulfilled. Moreover, their resilience and resistance to natural breakdown create significant disposal challenges, posing risks to the environment. Therefore, initiatives are underway to reduce improper plastic disposal and to effectively recycle polymer waste through upcycling efforts. In this context, the global scientific community is increasingly focusing on catalytic processes to break down plastic-based polymers into high-value products and chemical raw materials, effectively converting waste plastics into valuable resources. Various catalytic strategies, including heterogeneous catalysis, biocatalysis, and electrochemical catalysis, are being explored. This chapter presents a comprehensive account of the latest developments in catalytic technologies for plastic treatment, examining both the structural breakdown of plastic macromolecules and the mechanisms underlying the various catalytic processes.