Photoreforming of Plastic Waste to Sustainable Fuels and Chemicals: Waste to Energy

The extensive accumulation of plastic waste has given rise to severe environmental pollution issues. Contemporary conventional recycling methods, such as incineration and landfilling, contribute significantly to pollutant emissions and carbon footprints, against the principles of sustainable development. Leveraging renewable solar energy to transform plastics into high-value chemicals and green fuels offers a more promising and sustainable approach to managing plastic waste resources. This comprehensive review centers on the recent advancements in plastic photoreforming, categorizing them based on the types of end products. Particular emphasis is placed on the evolving research landscape surrounding the conversion of plastics into high-value chemicals through photoreforming, as well as the economic considerations for large-scale photoreforming production. The analysis conducted here reveals key pathways and emerging trends that are poised to shape the trajectory of enhanced photoconversion, ultimately influencing the realization of a carbon-neutral future.