Solar Fuels Production from Plastics and Biomass Photoreforming

Abstract

The depletion of fossil fuel reserves and the escalating accumulation of plastic and biomass wastes pose critical threats to global energy security and environmental sustainability. Integrating photocatalytic water (H₂O) reduction with waste valorization has emerged as a promising solution by leveraging full-spectrum sunlight to produce sustainable hydrogen while simultaneously converting plastics and lignocellulosic biomass into valuable fuels. As such, this review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in photocatalytic H₂O splitting coupled with resource recovery. It begins by examining the fundamental mechanisms and limitations of photocatalytic H₂O splitting, followed by an in-depth discussion of reforming plastic wastes and biomass into valuable chemicals. Furthermore, advanced strategies, including photothermal catalysis and photoelectrochemical approaches, are assessed for their potential to enhance photocatalytic redox efficiency and improve the feasibility of integrated processes. Finally, the review discusses the remaining scientific and technological challenges and outlines future research directions to realize safe, cost-effective, and scalable solar-driven fuel production systems. It is anticipated that this work will provide foundational insights and inspire further innovation across the fields of energy catalysis, materials engineering, and solar-powered process integration, thereby accelerating the practical deployment of sustainable hydrogen technologies coupled with circular waste recycling.