Work

Eco-Friendly Solar-Powered H2 Generation from Plastic Waste Using Earth-Abundant Cu-Doped ZnS Catalysts

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The photoreforming of plastics into fuel and small organic molecules at ambient temperature presents a sustainable alternative to landfills and incineration. However, most existing photocatalysts depend on noble or toxic metals, limiting their environmental compatibility. Here, we present a non-toxic, eco-friendly Cu-doped ZnS photocatalyst synthesized via a simple one-pot wet chemical method for efficient plastic waste conversion in an alkaline solution. This earth-abundant catalyst exhibits broad visible light absorption and exceptional charge transfer efficiency, enabling high photocatalytic activity. By optimizing Cu doping levels, we achieve a promising H2 generation rate of 201.5 μmol g−1 h−1. We elucidate the photoreforming mechanism, paving the way for scalable and sustainable plastic upcycling.

Source: Nanomaterials

DOI: 10.3390/nano15171311

Authors: Zhen Li, Ye Wang, Kwang Leong Choy

Institution: Duke Kunshan University

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Affordable and clean energy, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896