Photocatalytic Hydrolysis─A Sustainable Option for the Chemical Upcycling of Polylactic Acid

What is it about?

This letter presents proof of concept on a low-cost, low energy approach to controlled decomposition of plastic, photocatalytic hydrolysis (PI). This approach integrates photolysis and hydrolysis, both slow natural decomposition processes, with a photocatalytic process. We were able to obtain the monomer lactide as a major product of the decomposition of Polylactic Acid (PLA) via PI. The photocatalyst, α-Fe2O3 was embedded into a PLA matrix. The photocatalyst/plastic composite was immersed in water and subjected to low-energy (25 W) UV light for 90 h.

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Why is it important?

This work highlights a sustainable, environmentally-friendly, low energy route toward plastic waste upgrade and valorization that is less carbon intensive than pyrolysis and faster than natural degradation.