Sunlight-mediated photocatalytic upcycling of microplastics

ongoing

During the last two decades, scientists have been pointing out an important issue related to the excessive use of plastic in our daily life, i.e., the presence of plastic fragments in the range of micrometer in our natural habitats. These species are known as microplastics (MPs) and their effect on the long bioaccumulation foresees unpromising results on the natural balance. Consequently, different scientific fields are looking into viable approaches to remove or destroy MPs. The upcycling of MPs is an example of these and includes the cleavage of the organic bonds forming the polymers in the MPs to obtain new chemicals. Photocatalysis is a frequent methodology applied in the degradation and removal of water contaminant, such as organic molecules, and, consequently, it is likely to lead to a successful MPs upcycling. This strategy involves the high desirable usage of sunlight, which represent the utmost renewable energy, and inorganic photocatalysts. This project proposes the use of a photocatalytic approach for the upcycling of MPs by photoreforming (SOLMUP). It will allow to sustainably obtain high value-added chemicals starting from undesired plastic waste, in line with the principle of circular economy. To avoid the most common drawback of photocatalysts, i.e., charge carriers recombination, Fe-based photocatalysts will be combined to form heterostructures. For the first time in the literature, the heterojunctional photocatalysts will be applied in MPs PR, ensuring a better light response and durability of the catalytic system to increase selectivity and conversion, compared to the few previous reports. Moreover, the study of the reaction intermediates and the transitional states of the catalyst will unveil the mechanism of the photocatalytic reaction. SOLMUP is combining two striking topics in the protection of our environment by sustainable approaches, i.e., the upcycling of waste and the application of new and durable energy sources such as sunlight.