Solar-driven plastic waste to valuable chemicals Zhongqing Shen , Elizabeth Gibson Newcastle university, United Kingdom
Plastics play a crucial role in the global economy, with production projected to rise from 435 Mt in 2020 to 736 Mt by 2040. However, they contribute 2.24 GtCO2e (5.3% of global emissions) and incur $361 billion in waste management costs, highlighting significant environmental and economic challenges from production and disposal. Among various recycling technologies, pyrolysis is valued for its high efficiency and flexibility in converting plastic waste into syngas, fuels, and high-value chemicals. However, its high energy demands prompt the exploration of complementary methods such as photocatalysis, which leverages photonic energy for precise bond activations and enhances eco-friendliness. Therefore, this paper aims to provide a cross-disciplinary perspectives on promoting a synergistic, efficient, and sustainable recycling pathway for unique structure of plastics, mainly polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE) polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS). The analysis goes beyond individual metrics, such as chemical products, yields, purity, environmental impacts, energy balance and economic value, by exploring how these factors interrelate and assessment. Drawing on the extensive knowledge from related fields, it seeks to inspire innovative approaches and advancements based on insight to catalytic reaction mechanisms.Finally, building on the comparative advantages of pyrolysis and photocatalysis, this study highlights how the effectivity and flexibility of pyrolysis complement the environmentally friendly and highly selective nature of photocatalysis. By integrating insights from both approaches, the study aims to strengthen their connection and promote benefits of laboratory research and industrial practice. References 1. Vidal F., Van Der Marel E. R., Kerr R. W. F., et al. Designing a circular carbon and plastics economy for a sustainable future[J]. Nature, 2024, 626(7997): 45-57. 2. Peng Y., Wang Y., Ke L., et al. A review on catalytic pyrolysis of plastic wastes to high-value products[J]. Energy Conversion and Management, 2022, 254: 115243. 3. Li S. M., Li Z. Y., Zhang F., et al. Upgrading waste plastics to value-added aromatics[J]. Chem Catalysis, 2024, 4(5). 4. Bhattacharjee S., Linley S., Reisner E. Solar reforming as an emerging technology for circular chemical industries[J]. Nature Reviews Chemistry, 2024, 8(2): 87-105. 5. Ran H., Zhang S., Ni W., et al. Precise activation of C–C bonds for recycling and upcycling of plastics[J]. Chemical Science, 2024, 15(3): 795-831. 6. Luo H., Tyrrell H., Bai J., et al. Fundamental, technical and environmental overviews of plastic chemical recycling[J]. Green Chemistry. 2024.
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