Hayder A. Alrazen, Saiied M. Aminossadati, Hussein A. Mahmood, Ahmed Kadhim Hussein, Kamarul Arifin Ahmad, Sharul Sham Dol, Sattar Jabbar, Sattar Jabbar Murad Algayyim, Muxina Konarova, I. M. R. Fattah
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Abstract
The valorisation of plastic waste through diverse recycling technologies offers a strategic response to the escalating global plastic crisis, combining waste reduction with resource and energy recovery. This review critically examines both conventional and emerging methods—including mechanical recycling, incineration for energy recovery, pyrolysis, gasification, hydrogenation, hydrocracking, and solvent-based treatments—focusing on their technical efficacy, environmental footprint, and economic feasibility. Mechanical recycling remains the most widely adopted method, involving collection, sorting, grinding, washing, drying, and granulation processes. However, challenges such as polymer degradation, contamination, and incompatibility among mixed plastics limit the quality and applicability of recycled products. Advanced sorting technologies, including Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and electrostatic separation, are increasingly employed to enhance recycling outcomes. Incineration provides energy in the form of electricity, heat, or steam while significantly reducing waste volume, yet it raises environmental concerns due to the release of toxic gases and particulates. Chemical recycling emerges as a critical pillar of the circular plastic economy, enabling the breakdown of polymers into valuable chemical feedstocks. Techniques such as pyrolysis, gasification, and hydrocracking produce valuable by-products, including char, syngas, and bio-oil. The review underscores the potential of integrating incineration with carbon capture technologies to mitigate emissions and improve sustainability. It advocates for region-specific strategies supported by comprehensive techno-economic and environmental assessments. This work provides a comparative framework to inform the selection of recycling technologies, guide policy development, and identify research priorities in advancing plastic waste valorisation.
期刊介绍：
Energy is the single most valuable resource for human activity and the basis for all human progress. Materials play a key role in enabling technologies that can offer promising solutions to achieve renewable and sustainable energy pathways for the future.
Materials for Renewable and Sustainable Energy has been established to be the world''s foremost interdisciplinary forum for publication of research on all aspects of the study of materials for the deployment of renewable and sustainable energy technologies. The journal covers experimental and theoretical aspects of materials and prototype devices for sustainable energy conversion, storage, and saving, together with materials needed for renewable fuel production. It publishes reviews, original research articles, rapid communications, and perspectives. All manuscripts are peer-reviewed for scientific quality.
Topics include:
1. MATERIALS for renewable energy storage and conversion: Batteries, Supercapacitors, Fuel cells, Hydrogen storage, and Photovoltaics and solar cells.
2. MATERIALS for renewable and sustainable fuel production: Hydrogen production and fuel generation from renewables (catalysis), Solar-driven reactions to hydrogen and fuels from renewables (photocatalysis), Biofuels, and Carbon dioxide sequestration and conversion.
3. MATERIALS for energy saving: Thermoelectrics, Novel illumination sources for efficient lighting, and Energy saving in buildings.
4. MATERIALS modeling and theoretical aspects.
5. Advanced characterization techniques of MATERIALS
Materials for Renewable and Sustainable Energy is committed to upholding the integrity of the scientific record. As a member of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) the journal will follow the COPE guidelines on how to deal with potential acts of misconduct. Authors should refrain from misrepresenting research results which could damage the trust in the journal and ultimately the entire scientific endeavor. Maintaining integrity of the research and its presentation can be achieved by following the rules of good scientific practice as detailed here: https://www.springer.com/us/editorial-policies
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