Tackling Plastic Pollution with Solid-State Photocatalysis

Plastic Waste
Since the development of plastics in the mid-20th century, plastic waste has accumulated at a rate that has caused huge environmental problems. Whilst there have been increased efforts to tackle plastic pollution in recent decades, the COViD-19 pandemic has thrown the proverbial wrench in the works. Disposable face masks, PPE, tests, and single-use medical equipment have exacerbated the issue. Once polymeric materials enter the environment, they can degrade into toxic by-products, and microplastics from mechanical, thermal, and microbial degradation can accumulate in the food chain. Plastics are not biodegradable, with products and particles remaining in the environment for extended periods of time. Furthermore, they can release harmful greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.

Photocatalysis
In recent years, there have been several methods developed to degrade plastics, including mechanical methods, physiochemical processes, and methods utilizing microorganisms. These processes aim to reduce the instances of polluting by-products and retrieve value-added products from waste streams in line with the aims of the circular economy. Biodegradable polymers have also been developed.