Nanomaterials for Advanced Photocatalytic Plastic Conversion

Abstract

As the disposal of waste plastic emerges as a societal problem, photocatalytic waste plastic conversion is attracting significant attention. Ultimately, for a sustainable future, the development of an eco-friendly plastic conversion technology is essential for breaking away from the current plastic use environment. Compared to conventional methods, photocatalysis can be a more environmentally friendly option for waste plastic reprocessing because it uses sunlight as an energy source under ambient temperature and pressure. In addition to this, waste plastics can be upcycled (i.e., converted into useful chemicals or fuels) to enhance their original value via photocatalytic methods. Among various strategies for improving the efficiency of the photocatalytic method, nanomaterials have played a pivotal role in suppressing charge recombination. Hence, in recent years, attempts have been made to introduce nanomaterials/nanostructures into photocatalytic plastic conversion on the basis of advances in material-based studies using simple photocatalysts. In line with this trend, the present review examines the nanomaterials/nanostructures that have been recently developed for photocatalytic plastic conversion and discusses the direction of future development.

Antimicrobial Activity of Photocatalytic Coatings on Surfaces: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Dip coating has several advantages, such as being suitable to cover surfaces with different geometries, enabling coating of both sides of a substrate at once, and deposition is suitable for application in largescale processes [114]. Furthermore, dip coating methods can be used to coat a wide range of substrates, including metallic, ceramic, and polymeric surfaces, among others [115]. Similarly, spray coating is a commonly used deposition technique for applying TiO 2 NPs-based coatings on large surfaces due to its mild operating conditions and cost-effectiveness [113][114][115].…”

“…Furthermore, dip coating methods can be used to coat a wide range of substrates, including metallic, ceramic, and polymeric surfaces, among others [115]. Similarly, spray coating is a commonly used deposition technique for applying TiO 2 NPs-based coatings on large surfaces due to its mild operating conditions and cost-effectiveness [113][114][115]. The superior wear resistance of TiO 2 nanoparticle coating may contribute to its antimicrobial effect [81,82].…”

Recent advancement on photocatalytic plastic upcycling

“…46) and Ag 2 O encapsulated in Fe based MOFs 47 ), have been developed for catalytic upcycling of plastics. To date, many reviews have covered upcycling of plastic waste, 1–31,80,81 including various upcycling techniques such as the photo-electrochemical (PEC) technique, photo-thermal technique, photocatalysis technique, thermo-catalysis technique, bio-catalysis technique, pyrolysis technique, hydrogenolysis technique, solvolysis technique, hydrolysis technique, microwave-assisted technique, plasma-assisted technique, mechanical technique and combination of these techniques. 3,5–17,19–33,81 Among these reviews, the introduction/discussion of the photocatalysis technique is not insightful and comprehensive.…”

“…Some reviews only introduce the mechanisms and applications of various photocatalysts for plastic upcycling. 1,2,4,6,18,80 But the advantages/disadvantages of various photocatalysts are rarely discussed and highlighted. Besides, the structure-performance relationship of these photocatalysts is much less summarized.…”

Modified Sodium Alginate for Degradable Supramolecular Plastic with High Mechanical Strength

“…The global demand for plastic products which are considered essential in daily life results in an annual production of a huge amount of plastics (exceeding 380 million tons). [1][2][3][4][5] However, due to the non-degradability, these plastics pose a great threat to the ecological environment and may even endanger human's health or animal's life. [6] Those that enter the environment are hard to degrade because of the strong covalent bonding on the polymer backbone.…”