Systemically Understanding Aqueous Photocatalytic Upgrading of Microplastic to Fuels

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) are regarded as a pervasive contaminant that poses threats to the environment and human safety. However, the high energy storage potential of the C–C and C–H bonds in MPs has led to increased attention toward technological methods for upgrading plastic waste to high‐value‐added fuels. Aqueous photocatalysis has emerged as a promising approach for upgrading MPs due to its solar‐driven properties and ability to generate various radicals. While extensive investigations and reviews have been conducted on photocatalysts and the resulting products within this system, there is an emerging need to comprehensively understand the entire process to enhance efficiency and selectivity further. In this review, significant advancements in the overall system are summarized, including reactants, pretreatments, photocatalysts, additives, and reactors, to enable efficient and selective reactions based upon the principles of state‐of‐the‐art photocatalytic microplastic upgrading. Furthermore, the shortcomings are clarified with proposed possible breakthrough points in each research direction. Ultimately, the significance of developments in pretreatments is highlighted, paving the way for future research possibilities.

Electroreforming injects a new life into solid waste

“…147 Although photoreforming allows complete mineralization of waste to CO 2 and concurrent production of hydrogen, it suffers from low solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency, which is considered a large obstacle for large-scale application. 148…”

Upgrading polyethylene terephthalate plastic into commodity chemicals paired with hydrogen evolution over a partially oxidized CuIn5S8 nanosheet photocatalyst

“…The photocatalytic technology has gained significant attention due to its easy access to set-up and ambient operation conditions. [12][13][14] Moreover, this technology has shown great potential in various fields, including organic synthesis, pollutant degradation, and carbon fixation. 15,16 Notably, it also opens up a promising avenue for transforming plastic waste into valuable chemicals.…”