Polymeric stabilization at the gas–liquid interface for durable solar hydrogen production from plastic waste

Abstract

Heterogeneous photocatalysis offers substantial potential for sustainable energy conversion, yet its industrial application is constrained by limited durability under stringent photochemical conditions. Achieving high photocatalytic activity often requires harsh reaction conditions, compromising catalyst stability and longevity. Here we propose a strategy involving polymeric stabilization of photocatalytic centres uniquely localized at the gas–liquid interface, substantially enhancing both the catalytic activity and stability. Applied to the photocatalytic conversion of plastic waste into solar hydrogen, this approach maintained its catalytic performance over 2 months under harsh conditions. Using 0.3 wt% dynamically stabilized atomic Pt/TiO₂ photocatalysts and concentrated sunlight, we achieved a plastic reforming activity of 271 mmolH₂ h⁻¹ m⁻². Scaling to 1 m² under natural sunlight yielded a hydrogen production rate of 0.906 l per day from polyethylene terephthalate waste. Economic analysis and extensive-scale simulations suggest this strategy as a promising pathway for high-performance, durable photocatalysis, advancing renewable energy conversion.