Recovery of solid waste as functional heterogeneous catalysts for organic pollutant removal and biodiesel production

Abstract

Concerns over considerable solid waste production, increasing environmental pollution, and the energy crisis have assigned a high value to solid waste recycling. Solid waste can be recycled as a potential substitute for some chemical substances. Additionally, a promising strategy is the conversion of solid waste into heterogeneous catalysts for use in environmental remediation and renewable energy production. Hence, this article aims to provide a state-of-the-art review of recent developments in solid waste-derived heterogeneous catalysts (e.g., supported and Cu-, Co–, Mn-, Fe-, and Ca-based) for organic contaminant removal and biodiesel production. First, the types and characteristics of solid waste that are suitable to be processed into catalysts are summarized. This is followed by a brief description of the recycling technologies and processes of solid waste-derived environmentally friendly catalysts. Next, the applications of these new valuable heterogeneous catalysts in organic pollutant removal and biodiesel production are emphasized. Finally, some future research directions are proposed.