Catalysis for plastic deconstruction and upcycling

Abstract

The surge in plastic waste has become one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Traditional methods of plastic disposal, such as landfilling and incineration, pose significant environmental hazards, whereas mechanical recycling processes often yield downgraded materials with limited applications. Recent advancements in catalytic science have led to the development of innovative catalytic systems enabling the efficient deconstruction and upcycling of plastic polymers. In this Voices article, we ask a panel of experts worldwide: how can catalysis address this plastic crisis?