Advancements in catalysis for plastic resource utilization

Abstract

The widespread production and utilization of plastic products have become ingrained in our society, resulting in a staggering amount of plastic waste, severe environmental challenges, and resource depletion. To address this issue sustainably, catalytic technology has emerged as a promising approach to break down non-biodegradable polymers into tiny organic molecules for secondary applications. Among these methods, photochemical processes utilizing light as an energy source offer controlled degradation of plastics under mild and environmentally friendly reaction conditions. Considering the pressing issue of plastic pollution, this paper presents a comprehensive overview of novel techniques for recycling waste plastics, delving into the underlying scientific principles of catalytic degradation. Moreover, we propose directions for feasibility studies on managing plastic pollution and advancing the development of plastic products.