Scientists Turn Plastic Waste into Fuel with Sunlight

JAKARTA - Plastic waste has long been synonymous with pollution. Now, scientists are developing solar-powered technology to turn that waste into clean fuel.

Quoted from the Philippine News Agency (PNA) which launched Xinhua, Wednesday, April 29, this research examines how to use sunlight to process used plastic into hydrogen, synthetic gas, and industrial chemicals.

The statement from the University of Adelaide, Australia, said this technology could pave the way to a more sustainable circular economy.

Global plastic production now exceeds 460 million tons per year. Most of it still ends up polluting the environment. In fact, plastic is rich in carbon and hydrogen, so it can be used as a resource, not just as waste.

The process is known as solar-driven photoremediation. It works by using a photocatalyst that is activated by light to break down plastics at relatively low temperatures.

According to a study published in Chem Catalysis, the reaction can produce hydrogen, a clean fuel with zero emissions when used, as well as valuable chemicals for industry.

Compared to conventional water-based hydrogen production, plastic photoreforming is considered more energy efficient. The reason is that plastic is easier to oxidize and potentially easier to develop on a large scale.

However, this technology is not without problems. Researchers say there are still major challenges, ranging from the complexity of mixed plastic waste, catalyst durability, to purification processes that require a lot of energy.

"With continued innovation, we believe that plastic technology as a solar-powered fuel can play an important role in building a sustainable and low-carbon future," said University of Adelaide PhD candidate Lu Xiao, who led the study as quoted by PNA