Photocatalytic Cracking of non‐Biodegradable Plastics to Chemicals and Fuels

Angewandte Chemie International Edition, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 63(35)

Published: June 19, 2024

Plastic pollution is worsening the living conditions on Earth, primarily due to toxicity and stability of non-biodegradable plastics (NBPs). Photocatalytic cracking NBPs emerging as a promising way cleave inert C-C bonds abstract carbon atoms from these wastes into valuable chemicals fuels. However, controlling processes huge challenge, ascribed complicated reactions various NBPs. Herein, we summarize recent advances in CO

Language: Английский

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Photocatalytic upcycling of polylactic acid to alanine by sulfur vacancy-rich cadmium sulfide

Nature Communications, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 16(1)

Published: Jan. 20, 2025

Photocatalytic conversion has emerged as a promising strategy for harnessing renewable solar energy in the valorization of plastic waste. However, research on photocatalytic transformation plastics into valuable nitrogen-containing chemicals remains limited. In this study, we present visible-light-driven pathway polylactic acid (PLA) alanine under mild conditions. This process is catalyzed by defect-engineered CdS nanocrystals synthesized at room temperature. We observe distinctive volcano-shaped relationship between sulfur vacancy content and corresponding production rate reaching up to 4.95 mmol/g catalyst/h 70 oC. Ultraviolet-visible, photocurrent, electrochemical impedance, transient absorption, photoluminescence, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy collectively highlight crucial role vacancies. The surface vacancies serve adsorption sites lactic acid; however, an excessive number can hinder charge transfer efficiency. Sulfur vacancy-rich exhibits high stability with maintained performance morphology over several runs, effectively converts real-life PLA products shows potential amination other polyesters. work not only highlights facile approach fabricating catalysts but also presents sustainable method upcycling waste chemicals. Photocatalysis offers upcycle Here authors demonstrate how defective cadmium sulfide photocatalysts convert real-world amino visible light.

Language: Английский

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Can the Hock Process Be Used to Produce Phenol from Polystyrene?

Journal of the American Chemical Society, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 26, 2025

Polystyrene (PS) is a widely used thermoplastic polymer, but its very low recycling rate has motivated consideration of chemical conversion strategies to convert waste PS into value-added products. Oxidation methods have been studied, they typically generate benzoic acid, product with relatively market demand. Phenol higher volume that would be an appealing target, no currently exist for the phenol. The repeat unit in closely resembles cumene, primary feedstock produce phenol through Hock process. Here, we investigate prospects adapting process PS, generating hydroperoxides autoxidation benzylic C-H bonds followed by acid-promoted rearrangement afford and partially oxygenated polymer. Experimental computational studies dimeric trimeric model compounds show neighboring phenyl rings impose conformational constraints raise barrier hydrogen-atom transfer from tertiary bond. These effects are also evident contribute lower yields when subjected conditions. results provide valuable insights important implications other efforts seek adapt small-molecule reactivity polymeric feedstocks.

Language: Английский

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Acidic photosensitizers promote the efficient photooxygenation of aromatic substrates catalyzed by anthraquinone-2-carboxylic acid through proton-coupled electron transfer and particle aggregation effect

Molecular Catalysis, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 578, P. 114955 - 114955

Published: March 10, 2025

Language: Английский

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Organocatalyst‐Catalyzed Degradation of Polymers

Published: March 7, 2025

Language: Английский

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