Photocatalytic Conversion of Plastic Waste: From Photodegradation to Photosynthesis

Plastic waste remains a global challenge due to the massive amounts being produced without satisfactory treatment technologies for recycling and upcycling. Photocatalytic processes are emerging as green and promising approaches to upcycle plastics into value-added products under mild conditions using sunlight as the energy source. In this review, the recent advances in plastic conversion through photocatalysis have been comprehensively summarized. Special emphasis is placed on the photocatalytic mechanism and the selective C-C and C-H bond transformations of plastics to access fuels, chemicals, and materials. Finally, the challenges and the perspectives on establishing a new paradigm toward a sustainable and circular plastic economy are also put forward.

Automated summary

This review comprehensively summarizes the recent advances in plastic conversion through photocatalysis, with a focus on the photocatalytic mechanism and the selective C-C and C-H bond transformations of plastics. The challenges and perspectives on establishing a sustainable and circular plastic economy are also discussed.