Carbonaceous Materials From Plastic Waste: Synthesis And Water Remediation: A Review

Abstract

The issue of plastic pollution has become a significant global environmental concern, driven by the rising accumulation of improperly discarded plastic waste. Although conventional waste management methods like recycling, incineration, and energy recovery provide some solutions, new and innovative strategies are being investigated to tackle the ongoing challenge. An auspicious approach entails transforming the carbon-rich structure of plastics into valuable carbonaceous materials, including carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, and activated carbon. This review examines the latest developments in converting waste plastics, particularly multilayer packaging (MLP), which poses significant recycling challenges, into char and then activated carbon via chemical treatment methods. The investigation highlights the importance of material characterization, encompassing the assessment of carbon content, char yield, and the surface properties of the resultant activated carbon product. Carbon-based materials show significant promise in environmental applications, particularly in the field of water purification, where they effectively adsorb contaminants and improve the quality of wastewater streams. This dual-purpose strategy effectively tackles the challenge of plastic waste management while simultaneously advancing the creation of sustainable water treatment technologies. This approach transforms plastic waste into functional carbon materials, offering an environmentally sustainable and resource-efficient method to reduce pollution and support circular economy efforts