Tandem depolymerization-electrocatalysis for plastic waste upcycling

Abstract

As persistent environmental pollutants, waste plastics present a valuable carbon resource that can be catalytically converted into high-value commodity chemicals to achieve resource circularity. Advancing the targeted conversion of plastic waste into value-added chemicals is thus a critical strategic pathway. Although various depolymerization techniques yield plastic monomers or platform molecules, these products still suffer from low value, necessitating further catalytic upgrading to obtain high-value chemicals. Electrocatalytic technology, characterized by high reaction selectivity and mild operating conditions, has emerged as an attractive approach for valorizing plastic depolymerization products. The integration of plastic waste depolymerization and electrocatalytic upcycling thus represents a promising pathway for sustainable plastic waste management. In this review, we begin by critically examining plastic depolymerization strategies, with a focus on their compatibility with the following electrocatalytic systems. We subsequently provide a comprehensive analysis of electrocatalytic valorization pathways for the resulting valuable products. Finally, we propose actionable strategies for optimizing current technologies and outline fundamental research directions to unlock greater value from plastic-derived feedstocks.