A sunlight-driven breakthrough transforms plastic waste into valuable vinegar without added emissions, advancing low-carbon recycling innovation.
The innovation introduces a new pathway for addressing plastic pollution through photocatalysis, while also generating a valuable chemical product. The process is inspired by natural biological mechanisms that break down organic materials.
According to Dr. Yimin Wu, the objective of the research is to tackle the growing plastic waste problem by transforming microplastics into useful, high-value substances using renewable solar energy. The project was led by doctoral researcher Wei Wei under his supervision, with initial support from collaborative funding programs associated with the university’s nanotechnology and water research institutes.
Microplastics have been detected across ecosystems worldwide, raising concerns about environmental and human health impacts. To address this, the research team designed a bio-inspired photocatalytic system using iron atoms incorporated into carbon nitride materials. The approach mimics how certain fungi use enzymes to decompose organic matter.
When exposed to sunlight, the catalyst triggers a sequence of reactions that break down plastic polymers and convert them into acetic acid with high efficiency. Because the reaction occurs in water, the technique could be particularly useful for treating plastic contamination in aquatic environments.
Acetic acid has wide industrial applications, including food processing, chemical production, and energy-related uses. The study demonstrated that the method works with several common plastics such as PVC, polypropylene, polyethylene, and PET, even when they are mixed together. This compatibility with real-world waste streams makes the technology a potential alternative to conventional disposal methods like incineration, supporting more circular material use and plastic upcycling.
Researchers also highlighted the economic potential of the innovation, noting that the ability to use freely available solar energy without generating additional carbon emissions could make the process commercially attractive.
Another important advantage is its potential to address microplastic pollution directly. Since the system breaks plastics down at the molecular level, it may help reduce the accumulation of microscopic plastic particles in water systems.
The work contributes to sustainability-focused research initiatives at the university aimed at developing circular solutions for global environmental challenges. Although the technology is currently at the laboratory stage, scientists believe it could eventually be scaled for solar-powered recycling and environmental remediation applications, with further improvements possible through material and process engineering.