MiCLuP · Microwave-Driven Closed-Loop Utilization of Carbon-Reinforced Plastic Composites using CNMs/TMO Catalysts

The exigent challenges posed by climate change and increasing plastic waste pollution necessitates the development of innovative scientific solutions, processes, and technologies. Conventional thermal treatments for plastic waste (e.g., pyrolysis) require high power consumption and cannot meet the requirements for sustainability and net zero. This project aims to promote sustainability and circularity by utilizing plastic waste-derived carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) to prepare carbon-reinforced plastic composites. These CNMs will serve directly as microwave (MW)-active catalysts or be modified using transition metal oxide (TMO)-based catalysts, for converting the plastic composites back into virgin monomers at the end of their lifecycle, hence, to form a net-zero MW-initiated upcycling process. Leveraging the unique features of MW catalysis, this project will explore cost-effective solutions for the entire lifecycle of plastic-based products, from waste to value-added materials.Key objectives include: (i) producing microwave active CNMs from waste plastic; (ii) designing novel plastic composites incorporating these CNMs; and (iii) developing a sustainable upcycling process for depolymerizing the resulting plastic composite back into its original monomers using plastic-derived CNMs or modifying/ functionalizing CNMs using TMO-based catalysts. To gain a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms of CNMs and TMO catalysts for MW-initiated catalytic reaction, a hypothesis-driven approach will be employed to investigate the interactions between CNMs and TMO catalysts and MW irradiation. This newly acquired knowledge will be crucial for enhancing catalytic performance and expanding the application of MW catalysis.Addressing the urgent need of utilizing recycled plastic in new products to reduce the demand for virgin plastics, as reported by European Environment Agency (EEA) 2024, this research aligns with the EUs circular economy for plastic waste and UN's SDGs.