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Photocatalytic Reforming Raw Plastic in Seawater by Atomically‐Engineered GeS/ZnIn 2 S 4
Author(s) -
TalebianKiakalaieh Amin,
Li Haobo,
Guo Meijun,
Hashem Elhussein M.,
Xia Bingquan,
Ran Jingrun,
Qiao ShiZhang
Publication year - 2025
Publication title -
advanced energy materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.08
H-Index - 220
eISSN - 1614-6840
pISSN - 1614-6832
DOI - 10.1002/aenm.202404963
Subject(s) - materials science , photocatalysis , seawater , polyethylene terephthalate , raw material , nanotechnology , chemical engineering , environmental chemistry , composite material , organic chemistry , catalysis , chemistry , oceanography , engineering , geology
Abstract The escalating crisis of oceanic plastic pollution demands innovative and effective strategies for resolution. Photocatalysis offers a sustainable, green, and energy‐efficient approach for the upcycling of plastic waste into fuels and value‐added chemicals. In this study, an atomically engineered GeS NS/ZnIn₂S₄ photocatalyst is employed to directly transform raw polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a ubiquitous plastic, into a variety of organic chemicals (13 917 µmol g⁻¹) using Earth's most abundant resources: sunlight, seawater, and air. Advanced ex situ and in situ characterization analyses reveal that sulfur vacancies (Vs) and electrolyte‐assisted polarization effect of seawater play crucial roles in trapping photogenerated electrons and accelerating charge carrier separation, respectively. These effects significantly enhance photocatalytic plastic upcycling efficiency and improve oxidative organic reactions. This research introduces a methodology that accounts for real‐world conditions in photocatalytic plastic upcycling, utilizing abundant natural resources and paving the way for further exploration in this area.
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