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

The management of plastics waste is one of the most urgent and significant global problems now. Historically, waste plastics have been predominantly discarded, mechanically recycled, or incinerated for energy production. However, these approaches typically relied on thermal processes like conventional pyrolysis, which are energy-intensive and unsustainable. In this Minireview, some of the latest advances and future trends in the chemical upcycling of waste plastics by photocatalytic, electrolytic, and microwave-assisted pyrolysis processes are discussed as more environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional thermal reactions. We highlight how the transformation of different types of plastics waste by exploiting alternative energy sources can generate value-added products such as fuels (H-2 and other carbon-containing small molecules), chemical feedstocks, and newly functionalized polymers, which can contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy.

Automated 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.