Advances in Solar-Driven, Electro/Photoelectrochemical, and Photothermal-Assisted Upcycling of Waste Plastics

Nowadays, plastic pollution has emerged as a central issue within the collective global environment discourse. Recycling plastic waste is advantageous as it allows for the optimal utilization of its carbon content in the production of other valuable chemicals. However, conventional recycling methods often entail considerable energy expenditure and lead to the production of hazardous byproducts. This review delineates the most recent methodologies for the upcycling of plastics under mild conditions (room temperature and atmospheric). It encompasses an analysis of the benefits and drawbacks, as well as prospective developments, associated with photocatalytic, electrocatalytic, photoelectrocatalytic, and photothermal catalytic upcycling techniques for plastic waste. It also provides a detailed overview of the potential of renewable energy-driven approaches to convert plastic waste into valuable fuels and commodity chemicals, as well as the challenges and future directions of this emerging approach to plastic waste.