Advancements in the Electrochemical Upcycling of Waste Plastics into High-Value Products
Jinwoo Kim, Shokouh Masoumilari, Yeojin Park, S.I. Lee, Daeseung Kyung, Zohreh Masoumi
Abstract
The growing plastic waste crisis calls for innovative and sustainable solutions that go beyond traditional recycling methods. Electrochemical upcycling has emerged as a promising approach for converting waste plastics into valuable chemicals, fuels, and functional materials. Recent advancements in electrochemical strategies for plastic valorization focus on key catalysts, reaction mechanisms, and process efficiencies. Recent studies place special emphasis on new techniques aimed at improving selectivity, energy efficiency, and scalability. Additionally, integrating renewable energy sources and optimizing electrode materials have significantly enhanced process sustainability. This review specifically focuses on recent research, which addresses the key challenges in the electrochemical upcycling of plastic waste.