Researchers at the University of New South Wales in Kensington, Australia, have unveiled a revolutionary method to decompose tough plastics like polystyrene using a sustainable, low-energy technique. By employing ferric chloride, sunlight, and air, this innovative process achieves a remarkable 90% reduction in plastic volume within 30 minutes, with a further reduction to 97% after three hours. This approach offers an affordable and efficient solution to plastic waste, holding promise for broader adoption in recycling efforts. The study was published on July 15, 2024, in Macromolecular Rapid Communications.
In a groundbreaking development, engineers at UNSW have developed a novel method to tackle plastic waste, specifically targeting challenging polymers such as polystyrene. This technique leverages ferric chloride, a common, cost-effective chemical, combined with sunlight and air to degrade plastics efficiently. The method achieves up to 97% reduction in plastic volume, presenting a promising solution for reducing environmental plastic pollution. The research, detailed in Macromolecular Rapid Communications, could transform recycling practices and contribute significantly to sustainability efforts.
The UNSW team's new method tackles the persistent issue of plastic pollution, particularly with polystyrene, which has been banned in various countries due to its environmental impact. The process utilizes ferric chloride, a common and inexpensive chemical, in combination with sunlight and atmospheric oxygen. Operating at room temperature, the technique achieves substantial plastic degradation without the need for high temperatures or specialized equipment.
In practice, the plastic is immersed in a solvent and then exposed to ferric chloride and light, initiating a photo-oxidative reaction that breaks down the plastic into simpler compounds. This method has been shown to be effective on a range of polymers, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and poly(ethylene glycol), which are prevalent in products from drainpipes to cosmetics.
While the technique has demonstrated impressive results in controlled environments using a dim purple light, sunlight also proves effective, though more slowly. The simplicity and affordability of ferric chloride make this method accessible for widespread use in recycling facilities.
Professor Cyrille Boyer and Dr. Maxime Michelas highlight the potential for this process to benefit waste management services. The degradation yields organic compounds such as acetone, which can be further processed or reused, offering a sustainable solution for managing plastic waste. However, the current process is not compatible with water, limiting its application in treating wastewater. The team is exploring new catalysts to overcome this limitation and expand the method's utility.
This pioneering study represents a significant advancement in the field of environmental science, providing a practical and scalable solution to one of the most pressing issues of plastic pollution.
