4.6 Article

Sustainable catalytic strategies for the transformation of plastic wastes into valued products

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H2-free Plastic Conversion: Converting PET back to BTX by Unlocking Hidden Hydrogen

Shenglu Lu et al.

Summary: A strong desire for circular economy has driven research on obtaining fuels and chemicals through plastic degradation. Utilizing Ru/Nb2O5 catalyst, successful conversion of H-2-free polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to BTX was achieved. Ru/Nb2O5 showed superior hydrogenolysis performance and poorer decarboxylation performance compared to Ru/NiAl2O4, leading to distinct selectivity to alkyl aromatics among BTX.

CHEMSUSCHEM (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Reductive Depolymerization of Plastic Waste Catalyzed by Zn(OAc)2 . 2H2O

Ana C. Fernandes

Summary: The study focuses on the reductive depolymerization of plastic waste into value-added compounds using a zinc catalyst, which shows good yields and effectiveness. The catalytic system is also able to selectively depolymerize plastic mixtures, and the catalyst can be reused for multiple cycles with good yields.

CHEMSUSCHEM (2021)

Review Green & Sustainable Science & Technology

Current technologies for plastic waste treatment: A review

Fan Zhang et al.

Summary: The review summarizes advanced nonbiodegradable plastic waste treatment technologies, analyzes their mechanisms and development status, and proposes an outlook for industrial application to effectively address NPW issues.

JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION (2021)

Editorial Material Multidisciplinary Sciences

Closing the loop on recycling bioplastics

Charlotte K. Williams et al.

Summary: The high-performance plastic, derived from renewable oils, is truly recyclable at a molecular level. This not only reduces dependence on petroleum resources but also helps protect the environment.

NATURE (2021)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Hydrolysis of waste polyethylene terephthalate catalyzed by easily recyclable terephthalic acid

Weisheng Yang et al.

Summary: The use of TPA as an acid catalyst for PET hydrolysis proves to be efficient, with high conversion and yield, easy recovery and reuse, and maintained efficiency over multiple reaction cycles.

WASTE MANAGEMENT (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Breaking Polymer Chains with Self-Propelled Light-Controlled Navigable Hematite Microrobots

Mario Urso et al.

Summary: A novel method utilizing self-propelled light-powered magnetic field-navigable microbots for actively moving, capturing, and degrading polymers is proposed in a recent study. These microbots exhibit fuel-free motion capability, and the motion can be controlled by light and directionality by a magnetic field. The efficient degradation of polymers is demonstrated, showing promising potential for degrading polymers and plastics effectively using light.

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Conversion of Waste Plastics into Value-Added Carbonaceous Fuels under Mild Conditions

Xingchen Jiao et al.

Summary: This article summarizes recent achievements in the conversion of plastics into valuable fuels under mild conditions, such as solar-driven conversion, enzyme-driven conversion, and low-temperature catalytic conversion. Other potentially used strategies and in situ characterization technologies in plastics degradation under moderate conditions are also presented.

ADVANCED MATERIALS (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Plastic Waste Conversion over a Refinery Waste Catalyst

Ina Vollmer et al.

Summary: Research has shown that industrial Fluid Catalytic Cracking catalyst can effectively convert polypropylene, and through separate testing, the limitations of transmission have been revealed. The equilibrium catalyst produced the same aromatic content as the fresh catalyst, but with less coke formation, likely due to reduced activity of the zeolite domains and enhanced cracking activity of the matrix.

ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION (2021)

Review Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Recent Progress in the Chemical Upcycling of Plastic Wastes

Xi Chen et al.

Summary: This Minireview summarizes recent progress in the chemical upcycling of plastic wastes using various methods, mainly within the past three to five years. It introduces the concept of a plastic-based refinery, transforming plastic wastes into valuable compounds and discusses different chemical methods and emerging technologies.

CHEMSUSCHEM (2021)

Review Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

The Chemical Recycling of Polyesters for a Circular Plastics Economy: Challenges and Emerging Opportunities

Jack Payne et al.

Summary: Plastics have been crucial in human development, but increasing environmental concerns have raised public scrutiny and calls for bans. This has led to the development of renewable alternatives and new waste management strategies, with a focus on catalytic chemical recycling of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). The emergence of new materials has the potential to modernize the plastics economy, but industrial feasibility and challenges remain.

CHEMSUSCHEM (2021)

Review Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Waste to Wealth: Chemical Recycling and Chemical Upcycling of Waste Plastics for a Great Future

Huan Chen et al.

Summary: Chemical recycling and upcycling processes are considered the most promising strategy for recovering value from waste plastics, but they often come with high costs and stringent conditions compared to current recycling methods.

CHEMSUSCHEM (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Catalytic carbon-carbon bond cleavage and carbon-element bond formation give new life for polyolefins as biodegradable surfactants

Uddhav Kanbur et al.

Summary: This study introduces a new catalytic method that converts polyolefins in discarded plastics into high-value compounds, overcoming the limitations of traditional carbon-carbon bond cleavage methods. Economic analysis shows that this method is cost-effective and has the potential to address the plastic-waste crisis.
Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Plastic waste to fuels by hydrocracking at mild conditions

Sibao Liu et al.

Summary: The study reports an effective method to convert polyolefins into liquid fuels, including diesel, jet, and gasoline-range hydrocarbons, with a high yield of up to 85%. This process involves tandem catalysis, conducted under hydrogen, providing an efficient way to recycle and utilize plastic waste.

SCIENCE ADVANCES (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Catalytic Reforming of the Aqueous Phase Derived from Diluted Hydrogen Peroxide Oxidation of Waste Polyethylene for Hydrogen Production

Hongcai Su et al.

Summary: The study investigated the thermal degradation and conversion of waste polyethylene using a two-step process, including hydrothermal oxidation and aqueous phase reforming. It was found that the concentration of H2O2, HO temperature, and type of catalyst can all impact the yield and selectivity of the gaseous products.

CHEMSUSCHEM (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Direct Conversion of Polypropylene into Liquid Hydrocarbons on Carbon-Supported Platinum Catalysts

Shibashish D. Jaydev et al.

Summary: The study successfully converted polypropylene into liquid hydrocarbons with up to 80% selectivity for motor oil using carbon-supported platinum nanoparticles. It was found that the selectivity was controlled by the binding strength of hydrocarbon on the carbon carrier, with an optimal effect seen in carbons with high oxygen content.

CHEMSUSCHEM (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Selective Degradation of Styrene-Related Plastics Catalyzed by Iron under Visible Light**

Miao Wang et al.

Summary: An efficient method has been developed for selective degradation of styrene-related plastics under gentle conditions through multiple oxidation, catalyzed with inexpensive iron salts under visible light using oxygen as a green oxidant. Furthermore, simple iron salts could be used as additives for degradable plastics.

CHEMSUSCHEM (2021)

Review Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Strategic Approach Towards Plastic Waste Valorization: Challenges and Promising Chemical Upcycling Possibilities

Pallabi Sinha Roy et al.

Summary: Plastic waste, a major source of pollution, can be effectively reduced through upcycling techniques to create high-value materials and mitigate the environmental impact and production costs.

CHEMSUSCHEM (2021)

Review Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Current Developments in the Chemical Upcycling of Waste Plastics Using Alternative Energy Sources

M. R. Karimi Estahbanati et al.

Summary: This review discusses the latest advances and future trends in the chemical upcycling of waste plastics using processes such as photocatalytic, electrolytic, and microwave-assisted pyrolysis as more environmentally friendly alternatives. It highlights how transforming different types of plastics waste using alternative energy sources can result in value-added products, contributing to a more sustainable and circular economy.

CHEMSUSCHEM (2021)

Review Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Recent Advances in Waste Plastic Transformation into Valuable Platinum-Group Metal-Free Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Mohsin Muhyuddin et al.

Summary: Research has shown that electrocatalysts made from plastic waste could potentially serve as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to expensive platinum-group metal electrocatalysts. Additionally, the focus of related studies has been on the synthesis routes, physicochemical properties, and electrochemical performance of plastic waste-derived ORR electrocatalysts.

CHEMSUSCHEM (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Photoinduced FeCl3-Catalyzed Alkyl Aromatics Oxidation toward Degradation of Polystyrene at Room Temperature†

Guoxiang Zhang et al.

Summary: The researchers have developed a new method to efficiently oxidize alkyl aromatics to carboxylic acids, which can be used for the selective degradation of polystyrene to produce benzoic acid.

CHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY (2021)

Review Energy & Fuels

Thermochemical Recycling of Waste Plastics by Pyrolysis: A Review

Vineet Kumar Soni et al.

Summary: This review covers the recent highlights in the field of waste plastics pyrolysis, including key observations on plastic feeds, roles of catalysts, reactivities and product distributions of plastic in pyrolysis reactors.

ENERGY & FUELS (2021)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Degradation of primary nanoplastics by photocatalysis using different anodized TiO2 structures

Laura Patricia Dominguez-Jaimes et al.

Summary: Plastic pollution has become a pressing environmental concern, with the release of nano-sized plastics raising alarm due to potential adverse effects. This study explores photocatalysis as an alternative for removing polystyrene nanoparticles from water, showing that TiO2/T and TiO2/M photocatalysts are more efficient in eliminating PS-NPs compared to photolysis. The mixed nanostructures demonstrated a twofold increase in efficiency in reducing PS-NP concentration compared to UV light photolysis.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Depolymerization of Hydroxylated Polymers via Light-Driven C-C Bond Cleavage

Suong T. Nguyen et al.

Summary: This study introduces a catalytic method for depolymerization of commercial phenoxy resin and high molecular weight hydroxylated polyolefin derivatives through light-driven C-C bond cleavage, producing isolable product mixtures that can be diversified into polymer monomers. The hydroxyl group not only controls depolymerization, but also modulates the thermomechanical properties of the materials, offering a new approach for polymer recycling and development of degradable-by-design polyolefin materials.

JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Complete Degradation of a Conjugated Polymer into Green Upcycling Products by Sunlight in Air

Sidan Tian et al.

Summary: The environmentally self-degradable conjugated polymer PDDA remains stable in the dark or without oxygen, but rapidly decomposes into biocompatible succinic acid when exposed to sunlight and air, providing a new strategy for completely degrading postconsumer conjugated polymers in a natural environment.

JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY (2021)

Review Multidisciplinary Sciences

Plastics in the Earth system

Aron Stubbins et al.

Summary: Plastic pollution has become a global issue, prompting us to consider plastics as emergent geomaterials never before seen in Earth's history. With high carbon content, plastics can rival natural organic carbon in some ecosystems, prompting geochemists to include plastics in their analyses to expedite understanding of plastics in the Earth system. Furthermore, plastics can serve as global-scale tracers to advance Earth system science.

SCIENCE (2021)

Review Multidisciplinary Sciences

Toward polymer upcycling-adding value and tackling circularity

LaShanda T. J. Korley et al.

Summary: Chemical recycling and polymer upcycling offer solutions to the challenges of plastic waste heterogeneity and property reductions, enabling circularity and reducing energy consumption and environmental impacts. The industrial adoption of these approaches is encouraging and plays a critical role in addressing the fate of plastics and advancing next-generation materials design.

SCIENCE (2021)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Electrocatalytic upcycling of polyethylene terephthalate to commodity chemicals and H2 fuel

Hua Zhou et al.

Summary: This study investigates a nickel-cobalt phosphide electrocatalyst for electroreforming PET plastic into valuable chemicals and fuel. The process shows profitability at high current densities and the developed catalyst demonstrates excellent performance in achieving desired products.

NATURE COMMUNICATIONS (2021)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Conversion of Polyethylene Waste into Gaseous Hydrocarbons via Integrated Tandem Chemical-Photo/Electrocatalytic Processes

Christian M. Pichler et al.

Summary: The chemical inertness of polyethylene poses challenges for chemical recycling, but a two-step process involving oxidative depolymerization with diluted nitric acid and subsequent photo- or electrocatalytic reactions can convert polyethylene into organic acids and hydrocarbons with yields ranging from 3 to 20%. This innovative approach allows for direct conversion of polyethylene into gaseous platform chemicals with tunable product selectivity, using sunlight or renewable electricity.

ACS CATALYSIS (2021)

Review Chemistry, Physical

Progress and Perspectives in Photo- and Electrochemical-Oxidation of Biomass for Sustainable Chemicals and Hydrogen Production

Hui Luo et al.

Summary: Biomass is a recognized ideal resource substitute for fossil fuels, with oxidation derivatives from biomass-derived compounds being used in the production of biodegradable polymers and pharmaceuticals. Combining biomass oxidation with hydrogen generation reactions presents a promising strategy for coproducing high value chemicals and hydrogen.

ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS (2021)

Review Chemistry, Physical

Recent Progress in Low-Cost Catalysts for Pyrolysis of Plastic Waste to Fuels

Ganjar Fadillah et al.

Summary: The study focuses on the catalytic and thermal decomposition of plastic waste to fuels using low-cost catalysts like zeolite, clay, and bimetallic material. It examines the effects of different types of catalysts on the characteristics and product distribution of the produced products, highlighting the importance of catalyst type in plastic waste decomposition and oil yield/quality. Factors such as operating temperature, plastic waste-to-catalyst ratio, and reactor type are crucial in determining the quality and yield of oil products. The development of low-cost catalysts is crucial for efficient conversion of plastic solid waste (PSW) into oil/bio-oil products.

CATALYSTS (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Capturing ethylene glycol with dimethyl carbonate towards depolymerisation of polyethylene terephthalate at ambient temperature

Shinji Tanaka et al.

Summary: The depolymerisation of PET via alkali metal alkoxide catalysed methanolysis efficiently proceeds at ambient temperature by capturing ethylene glycol with dimethyl carbonate, which biases the equilibrium towards dimethyl terephthalate due to the thermal stability of ethylene carbonate.

GREEN CHEMISTRY (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Electrocatalytic reforming of waste plastics into high value-added chemicals and hydrogen fuel

Rui Shi et al.

Summary: The study introduces a novel electroreforming strategy to upcycle waste polyethylene terephthalate into high-value chemicals with excellent electrocatalytic activity and high selectivity, achieving a high faradaic efficiency for the product carbonate.

CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Stepping towards benign alternatives: sustainable conversion of plastic waste into valuable products

Abhijeet Mohanty et al.

Summary: The extensive use of plastic and the lack of efficient degradation methods have raised concerns about its impact on the environment. With the increased plastic waste generation during the COVID-19 pandemic, alternative sustainable solutions are being developed to address this issue and reduce environmental risks.

CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS (2021)

Review Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Reductive depolymerization as an efficient methodology for the conversion of plastic waste into value-added compounds

Ana C. Fernandes

Summary: Recent studies have shown that reductive depolymerization is an excellent method for converting plastic waste into value-added products, thus addressing the negative impact of plastic on the environment and human health. Catalysts play a crucial role in this process.

GREEN CHEMISTRY (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Catalytic Hydrogenation of Polyurethanes to Base Chemicals: From Model Systems to Commercial and End-of-Life Polyurethane Materials

Laurynas Gausas et al.

Summary: Polyurethane is a widely used polymer, but its recycling is challenging, resulting in accumulation of waste. This study identified a commercially available catalyst for effective hydrogenation of various forms of PU, offering a potential solution for circular economy.

JACS AU (2021)

Article Chemistry, Applied

Tuning the intermediate reaction barriers by a CuPd catalyst to improve the selectivity of CO2 electroreduction to C2 products

Li Zhu et al.

Summary: This study successfully improved the efficiency and Faradaic efficiency of C-2 products by designing a CuPd(100) interface catalyst, laying the foundation for the rational design of Cu-based electrocatalysts for the generation of multicarbon products.

CHINESE JOURNAL OF CATALYSIS (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Biomass-derived γ-valerolactone: efficient dissolution and accelerated alkaline hydrolysis of polyethylene terephthalate

Wenjun Chen et al.

Summary: The study successfully dissolved waste PET into its monomers using biomass-derived gamma-valerolactone (GVL), providing an environmentally friendly, fast, and energy-efficient pathway for recycling waste PET.

GREEN CHEMISTRY (2021)

Review Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Chemolytic depolymerisation of PET: a review

Elaine Barnard et al.

Summary: Developing new methods for plastic recycling is crucial for reducing CO2 emissions and improving resource efficiency. Chemical recycling, which involves depolymerization to reclaim original components, is gaining attention as a viable route. Lowering the energy barrier for depolymerization through catalysts under mild conditions is a key focus of research in this field.

GREEN CHEMISTRY (2021)

Review Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Catalytic methods for chemical recycling or upcycling of commercial polymers

Sophia C. Kosloski-Oh et al.

Summary: Polymers have transformed our lives by providing inexpensive and versatile materials, but their longevity has led to environmental issues. Chemical recycling and upcycling are promising methods for dealing with polymer waste, but they are often cost-prohibitive. Catalysts can improve product selectivity in chemical recycling and upcycling processes.

MATERIALS HORIZONS (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Low-energy catalytic methanolysis of poly(ethyleneterephthalate)

Duong Dinh Pham et al.

Summary: In this study, a low-energy catalytic route for methanolysis to convert PET resin to DMT was developed, achieving high DMT selectivity at ambient temperature by controlling the moisture level. The PET depolymerization apparently proceeded through two series of reaction steps, and the degradation of PET had a relatively low activation energy of 66.5 kJ mol(-1), which was accountable for catalytic methanolysis of PET at ambient conditions.

GREEN CHEMISTRY (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Conversion of Polyolefin Waste to Liquid Alkanes with Ru-Based Catalysts under Mild Conditions

Julie E. Rorrer et al.

Summary: Chemical upcycling of waste polyolefins via hydrogenolysis using Ru/C catalysts demonstrates high activity and selectivity in the conversion of polyethylene into liquid alkanes and light alkane gases under mild conditions. The study also shows the feasibility of producing C-7-C-45 alkanes from long chain, low-density polyethylene and postconsumer LDPE plastic bottles, providing promising pathways for plastic waste valorization using Ru-based catalysts.

JACS AU (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Photocatalytic Conversion of Waste Plastics into C2 Fuels under Simulated Natural Environment Conditions

Xingchen Jiao et al.

ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION (2020)

Editorial Material Chemistry, Physical

In situ anodic generation of hydrogen peroxide

Carlos Ponce de Leon

NATURE CATALYSIS (2020)

Review Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Beyond Mechanical Recycling: Giving New Life to Plastic Waste

Ina Vollmer et al.

ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION (2020)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Depolymerization of PET into terephthalic acid in neutral media catalyzed by the ZSM-5 acidic catalyst

Myung Jong Kang et al.

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (2020)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Degradation of polyvinyl chloride microplastics via an electro-Fenton-like system with a TiO2/graphite cathode

Fei Miao et al.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2020)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Microplastic pollution reduction by a carbon and nitrogen-doped TiO2: Effect of pH and temperature in the photocatalytic degradation process

Maria Camila Ariza-Tarazona et al.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2020)

Review Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

The Use of Heterogeneous Catalysis in the Chemical Valorization of Plastic Waste

Lesli O. Mark et al.

CHEMSUSCHEM (2020)

Letter Multidisciplinary Sciences

Accumulation of plastic waste during COVID-19

Tanveer M. Adyel

SCIENCE (2020)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Recycling of multilayer plastic packaging materials by solvent-targeted recovery and precipitation

Theodore W. Walker et al.

SCIENCE ADVANCES (2020)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Photoreforming of Nonrecyclable Plastic Waste over a Carbon Nitride/Nickel Phosphide Catalyst

Taylor Uekert et al.

JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY (2019)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Visible Light-Driven Cascade Carbon-Carbon Bond Scission for Organic Transformations and Plastics Recycling

Sarifuddin Gazi et al.

ADVANCED SCIENCE (2019)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Upcycling Single-Use Polyethylene into High-Quality Liquid Products

Gokhan Celik et al.

ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE (2019)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Monomer recovery through advanced pyrolysis of waste high density polyethylene (HDPE)

Laura S. Diaz-Silvarrey et al.

GREEN CHEMISTRY (2018)

Editorial Material Multidisciplinary Sciences

Plastics recycling with a difference

Haritz Sardon et al.

SCIENCE (2018)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Plastic waste as a feedstock for solar-driven H-2 generation

Taylor Uekert et al.

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (2018)

Article Engineering, Chemical

Trash to Treasure: Microwave-Assisted Conversion of Polyethylene to Functional Chemicals

Eva Backstrom et al.

INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH (2017)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made

Roland Geyer et al.

SCIENCE ADVANCES (2017)

Review Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Chemical recycling of waste plastics for new materials production

AliReza Rahimi et al.

NATURE REVIEWS CHEMISTRY (2017)

Review Environmental Sciences

From polymer waste to potential main industrial products: Actual state of recycling and recovering

Janusz Datta et al.

CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (2016)

Review Thermodynamics

A review on pyrolysis of plastic wastes

Shafferina Dayana Anuar Sharuddin et al.

ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT (2016)

Review Engineering, Environmental

Catalytic pyrolysis of plastic waste: A review

R. Miandad et al.

PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (2016)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Photoassisted Fenton Degradation of Polystyrene

Hui-Min Feng et al.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (2011)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Catalytic alkane metathesis by tandem alkane dehydrogenation olefin metathesis

AS Goldman et al.

SCIENCE (2006)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Photocatalytic degradation of polystyrene plastic under fluorescent light

J Shang et al.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (2003)