Microplastics as a source of clean energy? Scientists from the Institute of Environmental Technology present an innovative solution!

A new study titled “Photoreforming of PET and PLA microplastics for sustainable hydrogen production using TiO₂ and g-C₃N₄ photocatalysts” has been published in the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering. The research explores the potential of a light-driven process called photoreforming, in which microplastics are broken down to generate hydrogen – a clean, renewable fuel.

“We worked with common types of plastics – PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and PLA (polylactic acid) – to make the experiment more representative of real-world conditions. We tested and compared the efficiency of two inexpensive, non-toxic, and widely available photocatalysts – titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄),” said Prof. Petr Praus, the study’s lead author. Our results showed that especially in aqueous environments, high hydrogen yields can be achieved, with TiO₂ showing particularly promising performance. The study also included thermodynamic analysis and catalyst stability testing, which are essential for any future practical applications of this technology.

This research is unique not only because it investigates a novel use for hard-to-recycle plastic waste, but also because it presents a potentially viable approach to green hydrogen production using solar energy. At a time of increasing demand for sustainable energy sources and the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, this study offers significant potential for the future.

Although the work is still in the early, fundamental research stage, the team at the Institute of Environmental Technology (IET) plans to continue developing the process toward larger-scale implementation. This research direction thus represents an inspiring connection between environmental protection, renewable energy production, and progress toward a circular economy.

This study was financially supported by the European Union under the REFRESH project (CZ.10.03.01/00/22_003/0000048) via the Operational Programme Just Transition, and by the OP JAK project "INOVO!!!" (CZ.02.01.01/00/23_021/0008588) provided by the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports. The authors also acknowledge the support of the Large Research Infrastructure ENREGAT (Project No. LM2023056).