Scientists are advancing a promising solution to two of the world’s biggest challenges – plastic pollution and clean energy – by transforming waste plastics into valuable fuels using sunlight.
Scientists are advancing a promising solution to two of the world’s biggest challenges – plastic pollution and clean energy – by transforming waste plastics into valuable fuels using sunlight.
A new paper led by Adelaide University PhD candidate Xiao Lu explores how solar-powered technologies can convert discarded plastics into hydrogen, syngas and other useful industrial chemicals, offering a pathway toward a more sustainable, circular economy.
Globally, more than 460 million tonnes of plastic are produced each year, with millions of tonnes leaking into the environment. At the same time, the urgent need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels has driven the search for cleaner energy sources.
The research, published today in Chem Catalysis, highlights how plastics – rich in carbon and hydrogen – can be repurposed as an untapped resource rather than waste.
Read More: Adelaide University
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