Resource utilisation and environmental impact mitigation of plastic waste
Project Description
Plastic pollution has become a critical environmental challenge worldwide, with plastic waste ranked as the second-largest type of solid waste in Hong Kong. Professor Zhao Jun and his research team are addressing this issue by developing innovative catalytic systems to transform plastic waste into valuable resources and produce biodegradable polymers production from biomass. The team has successfully demonstrated the potential to replace petrochemical-based plastics with more sustainable and renewable alternatives which significantly reduce plastic waste at its source.
The project has developed a breakthrough catalytic pyrolysis system for waste plastics, utilising natural clay as the main component. After modification, it is prepared into a nanocatalyst capable of pyrolyzing waste plastics into high-quality gasoline and diesel, with yields exceeding 80%. This represents a twofold increase in efficiency compared to existing technologies. Additionally, the project has developed a biomass tandem reaction system that effectively converts cellulose through multiple complex reactions into degradable plastic monomer 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, along with a series of biomass-based platform chemicals. Simultaneously, the project team has also developed an efficient hydrothermal technique for the removal of microplastics. In experiments, the microplastic removal rate from sludge samples reached as high as 90%, providing an effective solution for reducing the entry of microplastics into soil and oceans.
The impact of these research initiatives extends beyond academic realms, providing tangible benefits to society and the environment. The catalytic conversion of traditional plastic waste into valuable resources like fuels and chemicals demonstrates the feasibility of transforming waste into useful products, thereby mitigating the environmental impact of plastic waste. Additionally, the effective removal of microplastics from biomass waste prevents their entry into soil and water systems, safeguarding ecosystems and protecting biodiversity. These advancements contribute to environmental conservation, reducing pollution and ecological risks associated with plastic waste. Moreover, the research fosters resource efficiency and supports the transition towards a circular economy by minimising resource depletion and promoting sustainable development. The outcomes also have significant socioeconomic benefits, potentially stimulating the growth of eco-friendly industries focused on biodegradable polymers and plastic waste valorisation. This can create new job opportunities, drive technological advancements, and enhance economic competitiveness within the environmental sector. Overall, the innovative approaches and interdisciplinary appeal of Professor Zhao's research offer practical solutions to real-world challenges, advancing knowledge and promoting a more sustainable and resource-efficient society.
Project Investigator
Professor ZHAO Jun (Department of Biology)
Funding/ Award
- Research Grants Council - General Research Fund
- Environment and Ecology Bureau - Environment and Conservation Fund
- Innovation and Technology Commission - Innovation and Technology Fund
Publications
- [1] P. Wang, R. Zhang, I.R. Akaniro, M.L.U. Rehman, R. Kumar, Z.-T. Hu, J. Zhao, Enhanced selective aerobic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2, 5-diformylfuran using Mn-enriched MgSnO3 polymetallic catalyst, Fuel, 381 (2025) 133524.
- [2] W. Xue, J. Ye, Z. Zhu, R. Kumar, J. Zhao, Harnessing trace water for enhanced photocatalytic oxidation of biomass-derived alcohols to aldehydes, Energy & Environmental Science, (2024).
- [3] P. Wang, W. Xue, J. Ye, R. Zhang, R. Kumar, W. Cai, J. Zhao, Efficient Glucose Isomerization to Fructose using Photoregenerable MgSnO3 Catalyst with Cooperative Acid-Base Sites, ChemSusChem, (2024) e202400637.
- [4] P. Wang, R. Kumar, W. Xue, L. Luo, S. Varjani, J.W.-C. Wong, J. Zhao, Strategies for enhancing catalytic efficiency and stability of MgO-biochar catalysts in glucose isomerization to fructose, Industrial Crops and Products, 207 (2024) 117769.
- [5] J.-H. Mou, Z.-H. Qin, S.S. Chen, S.-Y. Leu, D.C.W. Tsang, J.C.-H. Lam, J. Zhao, Z. Yuan, C. Xu, C.S.K. Lin, Key techno-economic barriers in the valorization of organic solid wastes for chemical production, One Earth, 7 (2024) 742-746.
- [6] Y. Liu, W. Xue, A. Chowdhury, A.P. Rangappa, J. Zhao, S-vacancy regulation over ultra-thin ZnIn2S4 for enhanced photocatalytic valorization of biomass-derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2, 5-diformylfuran, Chemical Engineering Journal, 497 (2024) 154613.
- [7] R. Kumar, P. Wang, W. Xue, Y. Jia, Z. Zhu, L. Luo, J.W.-C. Wong, J. Zhao, Catalytic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2, 5-furandicarboxylic acid using Co-N/C catalysts with stepwise base addition approach, Next Materials, 5 (2024) 100227.
- [8] D. Johnravindar, M.L.U. Rehman, P. Wang, R. Kumar, J. Zhao, One-pot synthesis of 2, 5-diformylfuran from fructose using a bifunctional catalyst derived from phosphomolybdic acid and chitosan, BioResources, 19 (2024) 2948.
- [9] Y. Gao, W. Gao, Y. Liu, D. Zou, Y. Li, Y. Lin, J. Zhao, A comprehensive review of microplastic aging: Laboratory simulations, physicochemical properties, adsorption mechanisms, and environmental impacts, Science of The Total Environment, 957 (2024) 177427.
- [10] C. Chen, J. Jiang, Y. Liu, X. Ji, M. Zhou, J. Zhao, J. Jiang, Synergy of metallic Co and oxygen vacancy sites in Co/Ce-MOF catalysts for efficiently promoting lignin derived phenols and macromolecular lignin hydrodeoxygenation, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 270 (2024) 132465.
- [11] W. Cai, X. Zhu, R. Kumar, Z. Zhu, J. Ye, J. Zhao, Catalytic pyrolysis of biomass waste using montmorillonite-supported ultrafine iron nanoparticles for enhanced bio-oil yield and quality, Green Energy and Resources, 2 (2024) 100085.
- [12] W. Cai, R. Kumar, Z. Zhu, S. Varjani, Z.-T. Hu, J.W.-C. Wong, J. Zhao, Catalytic pyrolysis of polypropylene waste for liquid fuels production using Ni/Al-MOF-derived catalysts, Next Sustainability, 4 (2024) 100059.
- [13] I.R. Akaniro, R. Zhang, C.H.M. Tsang, P. Wang, Z. Yang, J. Zhao, Exploring the Potential of Hydrothermal Treatment for Microplastics Removal in Digestate, ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 12 (2024) 14187-14199.
- [14] W. Cai, X. Wang, Z. Zhu, R. Kumar, P.N. Amaniampong, J. Zhao, Z.-T. Hu, Synergetic effects in the co-pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass and plastic waste for renewable fuels and chemicals, Fuel, 353 (2023) 129210.
- [15] W. Cai, R. Kumar, Y. Zheng, Z. Zhu, J.W.C. Wong, J. Zhao, Exploring the potential of clay catalysts in catalytic pyrolysis of mixed plastic waste for fuel and energy recovery, Heliyon, 9 (2023).
- [16] W. Cai, R. Kumar, J.W.C. Wong, J. Zhao, Catalytic Fast Pyrolysis of Lignocellulosic Biomass For Liquid Fuel Production, Solid Waste 2023, (2023) 540.
- [17] M. Zhou, Y. Xue, F. Ge, J. Li, H. Xia, J. Xu, J. Zhao, C. Chen, J. Jiang, MOF-derived NiM@ C catalysts (M= Co, Mo, La) for in-situ hydrogenation/hydrodeoxygenation of lignin-derived phenols to cycloalkanes/cyclohexanol, Fuel, 329 (2022) 125446.
- [18] M. Zhou, F. Ge, J. Li, H. Xia, J. Liu, J. Jiang, C. Chen, J. Zhao, X. Yang, Catalytic Hydrodeoxygenation of Guaiacol to Cyclohexanol over Bimetallic NiMo-MOF-Derived Catalysts, Catalysts, 12 (2022) 371.
- [19] Y. Shao, D.-Y. Zhao, W. Lu, Y. Long, W. Zheng, J. Zhao, Z.-T. Hu, MgO/Carbon nanocomposites synthesized in molten salts for catalytic isomerization of glucose to fructose in aqueous media, Green Chemical Engineering, 3 (2022) 359-366.
- [20] R.D. Patria, R. Kumar, L. Luo, S. Varjani, J.W.C. Wong, J. Zhao, Exploiting an Efficient and Stable Catalyst for the Selective Oxidation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2, 5-Diformylfuran by Incorporating Vanadium in the Framework of Hydroxyapatite, ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 10 (2022) 10514-10525.
- [21] L. Luo, N.C.H. Ng, J. Zhao, D. Li, Z. Shi, M. Zhou, Conversion of food waste to bioenergy and biochemicals via anaerobic digestion, Biomass, Biofuels, Biochemicals, Elsevier2022, pp. 25-44.
- [22] R. Kumar, Z. Zhu, C. Chen, W. Cai, J. Woon‐Chung Wong, J. Zhao, Molten Salt‐Assisted Synthesis of Co/N‐Doped Carbon Hybrids for Aqueous‐Phase Aerobic Oxidation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2, 5‐Furandicarboxylic Acid, ChemSusChem, 15 (2022) e202201333.
