Revolutionary Recycling Method Eliminates Polyethylene Waste

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a method to convert polyethylene waste into valuable chemicals using light-driven photocatalysis and solar energy, offering a sustainable solution to plastic pollution and contributing to a circular economy. The process upcycles polyethylene plastic waste into ethylene and propionic acid with high selectivity using atomically dispersed metal catalysts, harnessing renewable solar energy and addressing contemporary environmental and energy challenges. This innovative approach could revolutionize waste management and chemical manufacturing while reducing plastic pollution.