Carbonization: A feasible route for reutilization of plastic wastes

• Published in: The Science of the total environment 2020-03, Vol.710, p.136250-136250, Article 136250
• Main Authors: Chen, Shuiliang, Liu, Zheng, Jiang, Shaohua, Hou, Haoqing
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon material; Carbonization; Plastic wastes; Polyolefin; Reutilization
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.136250

Plastics not only bring convenience and color to human life, but also bring endless troubles and disaster to our environment. Reutilization of plastic wastes is in favor of energy conservation and emission reduction, thereby is a significant pathway of plastic wastes disposal. Carbonization is an effective way of converting polymer precursors to valuable carbon materials for use in fields of energy conversion and storage, environmental protection and restoration. Here, we present a systematic multi-perspective overview of carbonization as a feasible route of reutilization of plastic wastes. A brief summary of conventional routes for plastic wastes is followed by a brief introduction of carbonization for converting plastics to carbon materials. Special emphasis is paid on the carbonization pathways and mechanisms of common plastics. Finally, the feasibility, application prospect and challenge of carbonization as one method of reutilization of plastic wastes are proposed. By presenting a consolidated information source on different carbonization mechanisms, this review provides a valuable guideline for reutilization of plastic wastes by carbonization. [Display omitted] •Carbonization as a feasible route of reutilization of plastic wastes is proposed.•Conventional routes for disposal of plastic wastes are summarized.•A brief introduction of carbonization for converting plastics to carbon materials is made.•The carbonization pathways and mechanisms of common plastics are summarized.•Feasibility, application prospect and challenge of carbonization are discussed.