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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Recovering hydrogen from PS, LDPE and HDPE microplastics via UV-driven photolysis and TiO2-based photocatalysis
ClearHydrogen Generation from PS and PE Microplastics via UV Photocatalysis
Scientists explored whether UV light—with and without a titanium dioxide photocatalyst—could break down polystyrene and polyethylene microplastics while simultaneously generating hydrogen gas, effectively converting plastic pollution into a clean fuel. Overall degradation rates remain low and practical barriers (particle settling, light penetration) are significant, but the study maps the thermodynamic and chemical conditions that favor reactivity. This dual-purpose approach—pollution remediation plus energy recovery—is an intriguing direction for future research if efficiency can be improved.
Recovering hydrogen from PS, LDPE and HDPE microplastics via UV-driven photolysis and TiO2-based photocatalysis
This is a preprint data entry for the same UV photocatalysis microplastic-to-hydrogen research as ID 1873, providing the underlying experimental report on TiO2-assisted breakdown of polystyrene and polyethylene microplastics under UVC light. Duplicate/companion entry; the research explores whether plastic pollution can be converted into hydrogen fuel as a remediation-plus-energy strategy.
From waste to energy - Photocatalytic anaerobic degradation of microplastics to generate hydrogen
Researchers demonstrated that microplastics can serve as a hydrogen source in photocatalytic reactions under anaerobic conditions. Using titanium dioxide as a catalyst and UV light, microplastic particles generated hydrogen gas, providing a potential route for converting plastic waste into clean energy. This proof-of-concept opens new possibilities for treating microplastic waste while producing renewable fuel.
Photoreforming of PET and PLA microplastics for sustainable hydrogen production using TiO2 and g-C3N4 photocatalysts
Researchers used photoreforming—a light-driven process—to break down PET and PLA microplastics while simultaneously generating hydrogen gas, demonstrating a dual-benefit approach that addresses plastic pollution while producing clean energy from waste plastic.
From waste to energy - Photocatalytic anaerobic degradation of microplastics to generate hydrogen
Researchers demonstrated that microplastic particles can serve as solid hydrogen sources in anaerobic photocatalytic reactions using titanium dioxide as a catalyst. This proof-of-concept converts plastic waste into clean hydrogen fuel while potentially reducing environmental microplastic loads.
Visible-Light-DrivenPhotocatalytic Hydrogen Productionfrom Polystyrene Nanoplastics Using Pd/TiO2 Nanoparticles
Researchers developed a palladium-modified titanium dioxide photocatalyst that degrades polystyrene nanoplastics under visible light while simultaneously producing green hydrogen, finding that the plastic itself was necessary as a fuel source for hydrogen evolution.
Visible Light Photocatalysis: Green Hydrogen Production
Not relevant to microplastics — this paper describes strategies for using visible-light photocatalysis to generate green hydrogen fuel from organic compounds and cellulose waste, an energy research topic unrelated to microplastic pollution.
Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production from Polystyrene Nanoplastics Using Pd/TiO2 Nanoparticles
Researchers developed a light-driven photocatalyst using palladium on titanium dioxide nanoparticles that can simultaneously break down polystyrene nanoplastics and produce hydrogen gas. The best-performing catalyst generated significant hydrogen output while also reducing the size of the plastic particles. The study demonstrates a dual-benefit approach that could address nanoplastic water pollution while generating clean energy.
Comprehensive Insights into Photoreforming of Waste Plastics for Hydrogen Production
This review examines photocatalytic "photoreforming" — a solar-powered process that breaks down waste plastics while simultaneously generating hydrogen fuel and useful chemical byproducts. Recent advances in catalyst design, including semiconductor materials and metal-organic frameworks, are analyzed alongside factors like light intensity and pH that affect hydrogen output. This dual-purpose approach could help address both the global plastic waste crisis and the need for clean energy simultaneously.
Efficient photodegradation of polystyrene microplastics integrated with hydrogen evolution: Uncovering degradation pathways
Researchers developed an amorphous alloy/photocatalyst composite (FeB/TiO2) that efficiently degrades polystyrene microplastics while simultaneously producing hydrogen fuel, achieving 92.3% particle size reduction and significant H2 production in 12 hours.
H2 Production from Real Wastes of Polyethylene Terephthalate and Polylactic Acid using CNx/Ni2P Nanocatalyst
Researchers developed a photocatalytic process using a novel nanocatalyst to convert real plastic waste from PET bottles and PLA bioplastics into hydrogen gas. The process achieved maximum hydrogen yields of 124 and 267 micromol per gram for PET and PLA respectively, offering a dual benefit of plastic waste valorization and clean energy production.
Activation of 2D cobalt hydroxide with 0D cobalt oxide decoration for microplastics degradation and hydrogen evolution
Researchers created a new photocatalyst by combining two forms of cobalt — cobalt oxide particles on cobalt hydroxide sheets — that can both break down polystyrene microplastics and split water to produce hydrogen fuel using visible light. This dual-function material, which degrades 40% of polystyrene under mild LED lighting, points to a strategy for simultaneously addressing plastic pollution and clean energy production.
Photolysis of microplastics under ultraviolet radiation : greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers investigated the photodegradation of microplastics under UV radiation, measuring greenhouse gas emissions produced during polymer breakdown. The study found that microplastic photolysis releases carbon-based gases, adding a previously underappreciated contribution to atmospheric greenhouse gas budgets.
Photolysis of microplastics under ultraviolet radiation : greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers investigated how ultraviolet radiation drives the photolytic degradation of microplastics ranging from 1 micron to 5 mm, measuring greenhouse gas emissions produced as plastics fragment and oxidize under UV exposure. Photolysis was shown to both fragment microplastics and release gases including methane and ethylene, linking plastic degradation to climate-relevant emissions.
From photocatalysis to photon–phonon co-driven catalysis for methanol reforming to hydrogen and valuable by-products
This review covers hydrogen production from methanol using light-driven chemical reactions, examining new photocatalytic materials and methods. While not about microplastics directly, the clean energy technologies discussed could help reduce fossil fuel dependence and the plastic production that drives microplastic pollution.
Photocatalytic Removal of Polyester Polyurethane, and Polyethylene Microplastics via ZnO-Fe-Mg-C Nanocomposite to H2
Scientists created a zinc oxide-based nanocomposite catalyst that can break down polyester, polyurethane, and polyethylene microplastics under light, and simultaneously convert them into hydrogen gas. This dual function — destroying plastic pollution while generating a clean fuel — represents a potentially valuable approach to turning a major environmental problem into a usable energy resource.
Unravelling the photocatalytic degradation of polyethylene microplastics with TiO2 under UV light: Evidence from kinetic studies
Researchers demonstrated that a titanium dioxide photocatalyst under UV light can break down polyethylene microplastics, achieving 34% mass loss in 8 hours and up to 54% over five treatment cycles. The process physically shrank the particles and chemically transformed them into simpler compounds like short-chain acids and carbon dioxide. While not yet ready for large-scale use, this technology could eventually help degrade microplastics in water treatment systems.
Photocatalytic upcycling of PET into methane, hydrogen and high-value liquid products
Researchers demonstrated that platinum-loaded P25 TiO2 photocatalyst can upcycle PET microplastics into hydrogen (15.35 μmol/h), methane, and high-value liquid products including acetic acid and formic acid, with reaction temperature and co-catalyst composition controlling product selectivity.
Chemoenzymatic Photoreforming: A Sustainable Approach for Solar-fuel Generation from Plastic Feedstocks
Researchers developed a hybrid process combining enzyme pretreatment with solar-driven photoreforming to convert polyester plastic waste into clean hydrogen fuel and valuable chemicals under mild conditions. This approach offers a way to clean up plastic pollution while generating renewable energy simultaneously.
Brookite TiO2 as an active photocatalyst for photoconversion of plastic wastes to acetic acid and simultaneous hydrogen production: Comparison with anatase and rutile
Researchers found that a specific form of titanium dioxide called brookite can use sunlight to simultaneously break down PET plastic waste and produce hydrogen fuel. The process converts microplastics in water into acetic acid (vinegar), offering a way to both clean up plastic pollution and generate clean energy. This technology could eventually help address microplastic contamination in water while producing a useful byproduct.
In-situ formation of Ag2O in metal-organic framework for light-driven upcycling of microplastics coupled with hydrogen production
Researchers developed a light-activated catalyst that can break down microplastics while simultaneously producing hydrogen gas as a clean energy byproduct, using a novel metal-organic framework material that converts plastic pollution into useful chemicals — offering a potential two-in-one solution for plastic waste and energy production.
From Plastic Waste to Green Hydrogen and Valuable Chemicals Using Sunlight and Water
This review examines how solar-powered photoreforming technology can convert plastic waste into valuable chemicals and green hydrogen using sunlight and water. Researchers found that while the approach shows significant promise as an alternative to landfilling, there is currently no standardized way to compare results across different studies. The study proposes guidelines for more consistent evaluation of photocatalyst performance to help advance this technology toward practical application.
An Integrated Pyrolysis Approach for Hydrogen Production and Microplastic Elimination from Sewage Sludge Experimental and Analytical Perspectives [dataset]
Scientists found a way to remove tiny plastic particles called microplastics from sewage sludge (waste from water treatment plants) while also producing clean hydrogen fuel. The high-heat process completely eliminated microplastics that were present in the sludge, which is important because these tiny plastics can contaminate our soil and water when sewage sludge is used as fertilizer. This technique could help protect our environment from plastic pollution while creating renewable energy at the same time.
Novel CuMgAlTi-LDH Photocatalyst for Efficient Degradation of Microplastics under Visible Light Irradiation
Scientists developed a new photocatalyst material that breaks down polystyrene and polyethylene microplastics under visible light. The catalyst achieved significant degradation rates and worked through generating reactive oxygen species that attack plastic surfaces. This technology offers a promising green approach to removing microplastic pollution from water.