Themed collection Plastic Waste Utilisation: A cross-journal collection

35 items
Perspective

From plastic waste to new materials for energy storage

A perspective on using plastic waste as an alternative feedstock for the energy storage sector through upcycling. Materials for electrodes, electrolytes or binders could be obtained from both advanced combustion and depolymerization methods.

Graphical abstract: From plastic waste to new materials for energy storage
From the themed collection: Polymer Chemistry Lectureship Winners
Open Access Minireview

Recent development of end-of-life strategies for plastic in industry and academia: bridging their gap for future deployment

Bridging the gap between academia and industry in plastic recycling will accelerate innovation and deployment toward solving the global challenge of plastic waste management and establishing net zero carbon society.

Graphical abstract: Recent development of end-of-life strategies for plastic in industry and academia: bridging their gap for future deployment
From the themed collection: 2023 Horizons Outstanding Paper Award Winners
Minireview

A systematic review on plastic waste conversion for a circular economy: recent trends and emerging technologies

Our biosphere has been adversely affected by plastic waste pollution, especially non-biodegradables in landfills, which induces hazardous chemical leaching and toxic gas emissions on burning into the atmosphere.

Graphical abstract: A systematic review on plastic waste conversion for a circular economy: recent trends and emerging technologies
Open Access Review Article

Improving plastic pyrolysis oil quality via an electrochemical process for polymer recycling: a review

In this review we discuss the application of electrochemical hydrogenation for pyrolysis oil upgrading, thus facilitating a circular polymer economy and low-carbon fuel production.

Graphical abstract: Improving plastic pyrolysis oil quality via an electrochemical process for polymer recycling: a review
From the themed collection: Energy Advances Recent Review Articles
Review Article

Recycling and the end of life assessment of fluoropolymers: recent developments, challenges and future trends

Herein, we present the state of the art technology on the recycling, reuse, thermal decomposition, and the life cycle assessment of fluoropolymers (FPs, ranging from PTFE and PVDF to various fluorinated copolymers based on VDF and TFE).

Graphical abstract: Recycling and the end of life assessment of fluoropolymers: recent developments, challenges and future trends
Tutorial Review

Recent advances in plastic recycling and upgrading under mild conditions

This review summarizes the emerging advanced technologies including bio-, photo-, electro-, and low-temperature thermocatalysis for recycling and upgrading of waste plastics under mild conditions.

Graphical abstract: Recent advances in plastic recycling and upgrading under mild conditions
From the themed collection: 2023 Green Chemistry Reviews
Critical Review

Electrocatalytic upcycling of plastic waste

The electrochemical upcycling of plastic waste offers a more efficient and safer means to produce value-added products under mild conditions.

Graphical abstract: Electrocatalytic upcycling of plastic waste
Critical Review

Waste plastic to energy storage materials: a state-of-the-art review

Waste plastics can be recycled for use in energy storage materials (e.g., electricity, heat storage, and hydrogen). The study aims to provide a basis for further research on the integrated use of waste plastics while reducing carbon emissions.

Graphical abstract: Waste plastic to energy storage materials: a state-of-the-art review
From the themed collection: 2023 Green Chemistry Reviews
Open Access Analysis

Techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment for catalytic fast pyrolysis of mixed plastic waste

This study analyzes catalytic fast pyrolysis as a conversion technology for mixed plastic waste, highlighting key economic and environmental drivers and potential opportunities for process improvements.

Graphical abstract: Techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment for catalytic fast pyrolysis of mixed plastic waste
Communication

Upcycling rust and plastic waste into an Fe MOF for effective energy storage applications: transformation of trash to treasure

An Fe-based metal–organic framework is synthesized utilizing metal sourced from iron rust and a linker sourced from PET bottle waste. Further, the MOF is deployed as the active electrode material for a supercapacitor.

Graphical abstract: Upcycling rust and plastic waste into an Fe MOF for effective energy storage applications: transformation of trash to treasure
Communication

From waste plastics to layered porous nitrogen-doped carbon materials with excellent HER performance

Layered porous nitrogen-doped carbon sheets prepared from waste plastics are employed as an excellent HER catalyst under alkaline conditions.

Graphical abstract: From waste plastics to layered porous nitrogen-doped carbon materials with excellent HER performance
Open Access Edge Article

Selective poly(vinyl ether) upcycling via photooxidative degradation with visible light

Selective chemical upcycling of poly(isobutyl vinyl ether) was achieved using photooxidative degradation, producing oxidized small molecules that can be tuned depending on a choice of photocatalysts.

Graphical abstract: Selective poly(vinyl ether) upcycling via photooxidative degradation with visible light
Open Access Edge Article

Enhancing the photocatalytic upcycling of polystyrene to benzoic acid: a combined computational-experimental approach for acridinium catalyst design

Computational-assisted catalyst design facilitates identification of a potent non-intuitive fluorinated acridinium catalyst for aerobic photoredox conversion of polystyrene to benzoic acid.

Graphical abstract: Enhancing the photocatalytic upcycling of polystyrene to benzoic acid: a combined computational-experimental approach for acridinium catalyst design
Open Access Edge Article

Conformations of polyolefins on platinum catalysts control product distribution in plastics recycling

The design of catalysts for the chemical recycling of plastic waste will benefit greatly from an intimate knowledge of the interfacial polymer–catalyst interactions that determine reactant and product distributions.

Graphical abstract: Conformations of polyolefins on platinum catalysts control product distribution in plastics recycling
Open Access Paper

Catalytic fabrication of graphene, carbon spheres, and carbon nanotubes from plastic waste

In this investigation, we reported sustainable and economical upcycling methods for utilizing plastics as cheap precursors for the production of high-value carbon materials such as graphene (G), carbon spheres (CS), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs).

Graphical abstract: Catalytic fabrication of graphene, carbon spheres, and carbon nanotubes from plastic waste
Paper

From wasted polymers to N/O co-doped partially graphitic carbon with hierarchical porous architecture as a promising cathode for high performance Zn-ion hybrid supercapacitors

N/O co-doped graphitic hierarchical porous carbon is yielded from wasted polymers. A capacity of 257.9 mA h g−1 with an ultrahigh energy density of 226.5 W h kg−1 is delivered. Excellent energy storage ability is also obtained for wearable devices.

Graphical abstract: From wasted polymers to N/O co-doped partially graphitic carbon with hierarchical porous architecture as a promising cathode for high performance Zn-ion hybrid supercapacitors
Open Access Paper

From waste to energy storage: post-consumer waste expanded polystyrene/rGO composite as a high performance self-standing electrode for coin cell supercapacitors

Free-standing electrodes prepared from waste expanded polystyrene by incorporating rGO into it for supercapacitor applications.

Graphical abstract: From waste to energy storage: post-consumer waste expanded polystyrene/rGO composite as a high performance self-standing electrode for coin cell supercapacitors
Paper

Quantifying synergy for mixed end-scission and random-scission catalysts in polymer upcycling

Given sufficient end-scission catalyst, random scission causes a proliferation of new chain ends and thereby accelerates the overall depolymerization progress.

Graphical abstract: Quantifying synergy for mixed end-scission and random-scission catalysts in polymer upcycling
Paper

Hybrid thermo-electrochemical conversion of plastic wastes commingled with marine biomass to value-added products using renewable energy

Surface plastics and microplastics commingled with biomass are emerging pollutants in the marine environment.

Graphical abstract: Hybrid thermo-electrochemical conversion of plastic wastes commingled with marine biomass to value-added products using renewable energy
From the themed collection: Spotlight on Women in Energy
Paper

An efficient and recyclable Ni2P–Co2P/ZrO2/C nanofiber photocatalyst for the conversion of plastic waste into H2 and valuable chemicals

Transformation of PET waste using a Ni2P–Co2P/ZrO2/C NF photocatalyst in aqueous medium.

Graphical abstract: An efficient and recyclable Ni2P–Co2P/ZrO2/C nanofiber photocatalyst for the conversion of plastic waste into H2 and valuable chemicals
Paper

Upcycling of plastic waste into carbon nanotubes as efficient battery additives

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were produced from waste face mask and non-recyclable mixed plastic waste via pyrolysis-chemical vapor deposition (CVD).

Graphical abstract: Upcycling of plastic waste into carbon nanotubes as efficient battery additives
Open Access Paper

Delivering low-energy carbon capture with photo-responsive hypercrosslinked polymers derived from polystyrene waste

Exploiting photo-isomerisation of azobenzene molecules embedded in pores of hypercrosslinked polymers to drive adsorption (upon UV light irradiation) and desorption (visible light irradiation) of CO2 to enable low-energy, low-cost carbon capture.

Graphical abstract: Delivering low-energy carbon capture with photo-responsive hypercrosslinked polymers derived from polystyrene waste
Paper

Conversion of low-density polyethylene plastic waste into valuable fuels using fly ash as a catalyst

Waste low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic was pyrolyzed using a batch reactor fuel oil fly ash catalyst into valuable fuels using fly ash as a catalyst.

Graphical abstract: Conversion of low-density polyethylene plastic waste into valuable fuels using fly ash as a catalyst
Paper

Metal-free photocatalytic transformation of waste polystyrene into valuable chemicals: advancing sustainability through circular economy

Upcycling waste polystyrene into valuable chemicals acetophenone and benzoic acid is developed through an innovative and environmentally-friendly photocatalytic process involving a metal-free carbon catalyst.

Graphical abstract: Metal-free photocatalytic transformation of waste polystyrene into valuable chemicals: advancing sustainability through circular economy
From the themed collection: #RSCPoster Conference
Paper

Electrocatalytic valorization of waste polyethylene furanoate (PEF) bioplastics for the production of formic acid and hydrogen energy

Recovery of PEF by oxidation of EG with non-precious metal catalysts to obtain formic acid and hydrogen at a cathode is an important strategy for achieving sustainable development.

Graphical abstract: Electrocatalytic valorization of waste polyethylene furanoate (PEF) bioplastics for the production of formic acid and hydrogen energy
Open Access Paper

Dispersion of PM and VOC pollutants from open burning of municipal solid wastes on host communities: emission inventory estimation and dispersion modelling study

This study focused on the dispersion of PM and VOC pollutants from the open burning of solid waste on the Sokoto-Aiyekale dump site in Ilorin, Nigeria, owing to the scarcity of information on pollutants' impact on onsite workers and the population surrounding the dump site.

Graphical abstract: Dispersion of PM and VOC pollutants from open burning of municipal solid wastes on host communities: emission inventory estimation and dispersion modelling study
Paper

Nonviable carbon neutrality with plastic waste-to-energy

Energy recovery of plastic waste without carbon capture resulted in higher CO2 emissions than from fossil fuels. Potential electricity generation in 2050 from plastic waste-to-energy could be significantly increased.

Graphical abstract: Nonviable carbon neutrality with plastic waste-to-energy
Open Access Paper

Techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment of mixed plastic waste gasification for production of methanol and hydrogen

This work examines the feasibility of a greenfield mixed plastics waste gasification facility with process modeling, TEA, and LCA.

Graphical abstract: Techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment of mixed plastic waste gasification for production of methanol and hydrogen
Paper

High-purity polypropylene from disposable face masks via solvent-targeted recovery and precipitation

The high-purity polypropylene could be produced from the waste disposable face masks via an efficient solvent-targeted recovery and precipitation (STRAP) method, combined with a simple decolorization step.

Graphical abstract: High-purity polypropylene from disposable face masks via solvent-targeted recovery and precipitation
Paper

Large-scale computational polymer solubility predictions and applications to dissolution-based plastic recycling

We demonstrate a joint computational and experimental approach to predict polymer solubilities at a large scale. This approach can facilitate solvent screening and process design for dissolution-based plastic recycling processes.

Graphical abstract: Large-scale computational polymer solubility predictions and applications to dissolution-based plastic recycling
Open Access Paper

Visible light driven reform of wasted plastics to generate green hydrogen over mesoporous ZnIn2S4

A mesoporous ZnIn2S4 photocatalyst shows notable activity for photoreforming of PLA, PET and PU to generate small organic chemicals and H2 fuel under simulated sunlight at room temperature.

Graphical abstract: Visible light driven reform of wasted plastics to generate green hydrogen over mesoporous ZnIn2S4
Open Access Paper

Upcycling waste expanded polystyrene into UV-excited dual-mode multicolor luminescent electrospun fiber membranes for advanced anti-counterfeiting

A simple and effective method to upcycle waste EPS to UV-excited dual-mode multicolor luminescent membranes for advanced anti-counterfeiting was developed.

Graphical abstract: Upcycling waste expanded polystyrene into UV-excited dual-mode multicolor luminescent electrospun fiber membranes for advanced anti-counterfeiting
Open Access Paper

Performance of a membrane fabricated from high-density polyethylene waste for dye separation in water

Industrial growth can have a good impact on a country's economic growth, but it can also cause environmental problems, including water pollution.

Graphical abstract: Performance of a membrane fabricated from high-density polyethylene waste for dye separation in water
Open Access Paper

Plastic waste generation and emissions from the domestic open burning of plastic waste in Guatemala

Domestic, or household-level, open burning of plastic waste is a substantial source of air pollutants and greenhouse gases that are often neglected in Guatemala.

Graphical abstract: Plastic waste generation and emissions from the domestic open burning of plastic waste in Guatemala
Paper

Supramolecularly cross-linked nanoassemblies of self-immolative polyurethane from recycled plastic waste: high encapsulation stability and the triggered release of guest molecules

Recycled plastic waste based self-immolative polyurethane has been synthesized and nanoformulated for tumor relevant pH induced charge modulation, efficient guest encapsulation and triggered release in a controlled fashion.

Graphical abstract: Supramolecularly cross-linked nanoassemblies of self-immolative polyurethane from recycled plastic waste: high encapsulation stability and the triggered release of guest molecules
From the themed collection: Polymer Chemistry Recent HOT Articles
35 items

About this collection

According to UN reports, the world is producing 430 million tonnes of plastic per year, with plastic pollution set to triple by 2060 if no action is taken.

To counter this, along with a reduction in plastic production, methods are required to reduce the impact of plastic waste on the environment. From the conversion of waste to valuable chemicals, to the use of plastic waste in energy storage materials, chemists are at the forefront of tackling this critical issue.   

This cross-RSC collection brings together articles and reviews highlighting some of the ways in which the chemical sciences can contribute to reducing the impact of plastic waste, through waste utilisation.


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