Photocatalytic Plastic Degradation: Challenges and Sustainable Pathways

The chapter comprehensively examines recent developments in photocatalytic methods to address plastic pollution. It begins with an explanation of the basic principles, mechanisms, and processes of photocatalysis, followed by a discussion on various photocatalysts used for plastic degradation. The chapter reviews advancements in enhancing degradation efficiency, examining factors influencing the speed and effectiveness of photodegradation. It evaluates existing challenges and environmental impacts, while highlighting the potential of photocatalytic conversion to transform plastic waste into valuable products. Industrial applications, scalability constraints, and future research directions for sustainable solutions to plastic pollution are also discussed.