Solar‐Biohybrid Upcycling of Polylactic Acid Plastics to Alanine
Nanjing Agricultural University · East China University of Science and Technology · +3 more institutions
Abstract
Abstract Upcycling of waste plastics into commodity chemicals such as amino acids represents a promising route toward achieving negative carbon emissions and enabling a circular carbon economy. However, existing thermocatalytic methods typically require harsh conditions. While photocatalytic upcycling operates under mild conditions, its dependence on a high‐temperature hydrolysis step for plastic pretreatment undermines its overall practicality. Here we report a bio‐photocatalytic hybrid system that converts polylactic acid (PLA) plastics into alanine under ambient conditions. The integrated system begins with enzymatic depolymerization of PLA to lactic acid (LA) with 92% conversion at 55°C and pH 10,…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 38.28
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 46
Authors
12Topics & keywords
- Polylactic acid
- Depolymerization
- Hydrolysis
- Alanine
- Catalysis
- Lactic acid
- Carbon fibers
- Hydrolysate
- Responsible consumption and production