Materials challenges and opportunities to address growing micro/nanoplastics pollution: a review of thermochemical upcycling

Micro/nanoplastics have sparked attention in recent years due to their widespread presence in the environment. Currently, several waste valorization approaches are under development in order to upcycle micro/nanoplastics. Thermal conversion technologies such as pyrolysis, gasification, liquefaction, or hydrothermal carbonization can yield high-value solid products, oil, and gases from plastics waste. The common thermal conversion technologies investigated focus on maximizing the production of oil and gases (such as H2 and CH4) for use as fuel. Except for hydrogen, when these products are used to generate energy, the carbon emissions generated are comparable to those produced by traditional fossil fuels. Herein, we present a review of the current efforts to capture and convert plastic waste into valuable products with an emphasis on identifying the need to develop processes specifically for micro/nanoplastics while also preventing the release of CO2 emissions. We identify the development of efficient catalytic materials as a critical research need for achieving economically viable thermochemical conversion of micro/nanoplastics. [Display omitted] •When evaluating upcycling techniques for existing plastics waste, it is essential to consider the full life cycle of products, minimizing CO2 emissions of these processes.•Conversion of micro/nanoplastics waste to carbon nanomaterials and energy vectors can be a sustainable solution.•The development of economical catalysts materials for upcycling plastics is essential for the application and feasibility of the technologies at an industrial scale.