Nanotechnology Innovations: Revolutionizing Plastics Recycling
摘要
The growing global problem of plastic waste around the world is a big environmental problem that needs new and long-lasting solutions that go beyond regular recycling. This book chapter explores the transformative role of nanotechnology in revolutionizing plastic recycling, offering a paradigm shift towards a circular economy. The various nanotechnology-enabled approaches, including the use of advanced nanomaterials for enhanced plastic degradation through photocatalysis and biodegradation, and their application in advanced oxidation processes have been discussed. The chapter also highlights the critical role of nanoremediation in effectively removing micro- and nanoplastics from aquatic environments, utilizing sophisticated adsorption techniques and electrospun nanofiber membranes. Furthermore, it examines the exciting potential of upcycling plastic waste into high-value products such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and graphene quantum dots, showcasing their diverse applications in electronics, energy storage, and sensing. Innovations in improving recycling efficiency through nanoparticle-assisted separation and sorting, as well as nanocatalyst-driven chemical recycling, are also discussed. This chapter talks about the big environmental and economic benefits of using nanotechnology in plastic waste management, even though it also talks about the problems that come with making it work on a larger scale and the possible environmental impacts. This thorough review brings together all the current research to give a scientific but easy-to-understand overview of how nanotechnology is poised to redefine plastic recycling paradigms.