An important study has been led showing important ways of using polyethylene waste (PE) as a feedstock and converted it into valuable chemicals, via light-driven photocatalysis.

The study has been done by the University of Adelaide’s and reports important results. The use of an oxidation–coupled room-temperature photocatalysis method was used to convert the waste into valuable products with high selectivity.
PE is the most widely used plastic in the world. It is also the largest proportion of all plastic waste and primarily ends up worldwide in landfills, posing a threat to global environment and ecology.

The problems related to complex products that normally require separation were avoided thanks to almost 99% of the liquid product which is propionic acid.

This new waste strategy is implemented with four main components: plastic waste, water, sunlight, and non-toxic photocatalyst. These elements harness solar energy and boost the reaction.

The main goal of the team which worked on this project has been to address contemporary environmental and energy challenges, contributing to a circular economy. The results brought together important data on a green and sustainable solution to simultaneously reduce plastic pollution and produce valuable chemicals from waste for a circular economy.

IBE-BVI Members:
Via a simple request you will be able to get a copy of the abstract of this paper.

Post 12/01/2024