Abstract
AbstractEfficient conversion of microplastics into fuels provides a promising strategy to alleviate environmental pollution and the energy crisis. However, the conventional processes are challenged by low product selectivity and potential secondary pollution. Herein, a biotic‐abiotic photocatalytic system is designed by assembling Methanosarcina barkeri (M. b) and carbon dot‐functionalized polymeric carbon nitrides (CDPCN), by which biodegradable microplastics—poly(lactic acid) after heat pretreatment can be converted into CH4 for five successive 24‐day cycles with nearly 100 % CH4 selectivity by the assistance of additional CO2. Mechanistic analyses showed that both photooxidation and photoreduction methanogenesis worked simultaneously via the fully utilizing photogenerated holes and electrons without chemical sacrificial quenchers. Further research validated the real‐world applicability of M. b‐CDPCN for non‐biodegradable microplastic‐to‐CH4 conversion, offering a new avenue for engineering the plastic reuse.
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