Scientists from the University of Waterloo have found a way to turn plastic waste into acetic acid using sunlight and a special catalyst. The method is based on a cascade photocatalytic system inspired by fungi that decompose wood.
The Fe@C3N4 SAC catalyst contains individual iron atoms distributed across the surface of carbon nitride. Under the action of light, hydrogen peroxide is activated, producing hydroxyl radicals that break polymer chains. In the first stage, plastic is converted into CO2, which is then converted into acetic acid. The reaction takes place in water at room temperature, without the use of acids, high pressure, or heating.
The system works with PET, PE, PP, and PVC, as well as with mixtures of various plastics. Wrapping the reactor in aluminum foil increased the yield of acetic acid fivefold due to light reflection. Currently, the process is economically limited by the cost of hydrogen peroxide; however, scientists suggest that in the future it could be produced using renewable energy.
The main advantage of the technology is that plastic is not just crushed but transformed into a useful chemical substance without leaving toxic residues. Sunlight, readily available materials, and a well-thought-out chemical scheme could potentially turn landfills into a source of valuable raw materials.
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