Photoredox-Catalyzed Plastic Waste Conversion: Nonselective Degradation versus Selective Synthesis

Plastic waste pollution is becoming one of the most pressing environmental crises due to the large-scale production without satisfactory recycling schemes, especially with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years. Upcycling of plastic waste into valuable chemicals powered by solar energy presents a substantially untapped opportunity to turn waste into treasure. In this review, the fundamental principles from plastic nonselective degradation to selective synthesis are first clarified. Then, we aim to outline the representative recent advances in photoredox-based catalytic plastic waste conversion. Particular emphasis is placed on the valorization of plastic waste regarding nonselective degradation versus selective synthesis. Finally, we present challenges and individual insights for further exploration of the plastic waste conversion domain. It is anticipated that this timely and critical review would provide an instructive direction and foresight on the selective conversion of plastics to valueadded chemical feedstocks, thus stimulating the development of a circular and sustainable plastic economy in the coming decades.

Automated summary

Plastic waste pollution has become a pressing environmental crisis due to insufficient recycling schemes, especially with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The review focuses on the potential of solar-powered upcycling of plastic waste into valuable chemicals. It outlines recent advances in photoredox-based catalytic plastic waste conversion and discusses the challenges and insights for further exploration in this domain.