Solar-driven plastic waste conversion: A mini-review on photoreforming for Co-producing hydrogen and chemical feedstocks
image: Common plastics, their chemical structures, typical photoreforming products, and treatment strategies.
Credit: Runzhi Yuan, Zejun Zhang, Fankai Bu, Zhidong Wei, Junying Liu & Wenfeng Shangguan.
Researchers from Jiangsu University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University have revealed a promising solution to the global plastic waste crisis through solar-driven photoreforming. This innovative technology not only transforms plastic waste into hydrogen fuel but also produces valuable chemicals, according to a recent review published in Frontiers in Energy.
The ever-growing accumulation of plastic waste poses a significant environmental threat, with traditional methods like landfilling and incineration often leading to the loss of valuable carbon resources. Photoreforming technology emerges as a sustainable alternative, offering a method to recycle plastics into renewable energy and chemical feedstocks.
The review highlights advancements in photocatalyst design and reaction thermodynamics/kinetics involved in the photoreforming process. It specifically addresses how common plastic types can be degraded into hydrogen and fine chemicals via photoreforming. The study underscores the potential of solar-driven photoreforming to contribute to renewable energy production and plastic waste valorization.
The researchers conducted a comprehensive review of recent studies on photoreforming, focusing on the design of photocatalysts and the thermodynamics of the conversion process. The review also examines the role of artificial intelligence in optimizing catalyst design.
While still in the laboratory phase, photoreforming technology faces scalability challenges in catalyst performance but holds significant promise for industrial applications. It could revolutionize the recycling industry by providing a green solution to plastic waste management and simultaneously generating clean energy. This approach could inform future policies and encourage further research into scalable applications.
This study was supported by the Jiangsu Distinguished Professor Project and the Jiangsu University Foundation. For a more detailed understanding, the full paper is available in Frontiers in Energy: https://journal.hep.com.cn/fie/EN/10.1007/s11708-025-1022-4. The research paves the way for future exploration into integrating artificial intelligence and photoreforming technology for enhanced catalyst performance.