Photocatalytic conversion of waste plastics to low carbon number organic products

doi:10.1016/S1872-2067(21)63885-8

Abstract

Abstract:

As a great threat to all livings on earth, waste artificial plastics now are everywhere, from oceans to our cells [1]. The world cannot withstand the growing waste plastic in million tonnes every year, which has already caused environmental pollution and economic losses [2]. Besides the efforts for preparing novel plastics with the self-decomposition ability, methods are needed to clear away these waste plastics leftover from history or recycle well this organic carbon resource [3]. Photocatalysis is a potential solution for the conversion of waste plastics under mild conditions. In this perspective, we highlight the effect of photocatalytic approaches toward the generation of low carbon number organic products (C_n products, n ≤ 8) from waste plastics, which can proceed under an inert or aerobic atmosphere. Notably, critical analysis of the carbon source in products is necessary to reveal the active species for the C-X bonds (X = C, N, and O) cleavage of plastics. Finally, we outline potential avenues for further development of this emerging field to enhance the yield of C_n (n ≤ 8) products from waste plastics.

Key words: Photocatalysis, Plastics, C-C bond cleavage, Fuel, Chemicals

Kaiyi Su, Huifang Liu, Chaofeng Zhang, Feng Wang. Photocatalytic conversion of waste plastics to low carbon number organic products[J]. Chinese Journal of Catalysis, 2022, 43(3): 589-594.

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URL: https://www.cjcatal.com/EN/10.1016/S1872-2067(21)63885-8

https://www.cjcatal.com/EN/Y2022/V43/I3/589

Figures/Tables 4

Fig. 1. The role of Cn products (n ≤ 8) in the circular economy of carbon atoms in photocatalytic plastic conversion.

Fig. 2. Plausible processes in the photodegradation of plastics, photoreforming of plastics, and the photocatalytic conversion of plastics to Cn products (n ≤ 8) under light irradiation. The photoreforming of plastics is adapted with permission [19]. Copyright 2018, Royal Society of Chemistry.

Fig. 3. Photocatalytic conversion of plastic and corresponding polymers to Cn products (n ≤ 8). (b) Adapted with permission [8]. Copyright 2020, Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. (c) Adapted with permission [19]. Copyright 2018, Royal Society of Chemistry.

Fig. 4. The structure of some polymers, and plausible cleavage of chemical bonds in these structures to Cn products (n ≤ 8) [29].

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