High-quality Materials Research Articles

Development Evaluation and Acceptability of Module in Science Technology and Society

The purpose of this study is to develop, evaluate, and determine the acceptability of an instructional module in Science, Technology, and Society (STS) for students at West Visayas State University. The study aims to assess how effectively the module enhances student learning outcomes, focusing on its instructional quality, content relevance, and technical accuracy. In response to the increasing demand for high-quality educational materials, particularly in the field of STS, this research addresses the need for structured, self-paced learning tools that support both student engagement and academic performance. Modules provide a flexible learning environment that aligns with contemporary educational practices and meet the growing need for autonomous learning resources. The study utilized the ADDIE model, a systematic instructional design framework, to guide the development of the module. Participants included 51 students enrolled in the Bachelor of Secondary Education and Bachelor of Elementary Education programs. Data were collected through pre-tests, post-tests, and evaluations by expert validators. The module was assessed on various criteria including content accuracy, instructional quality, and technical aspects such as design and layout. Results indicated significant improvement in student performance, with post-test scores increasing from “poor” to “very good.” Expert validators rated the module as “Very Acceptable” across most categories, particularly in instructional quality, although some recommendations for improving content accuracy were noted. The study concludes that the developed STS module is an effective instructional tool for enhancing student learning outcomes. The findings suggest that continuous updates to the module’s content are necessary to maintain its relevance and accuracy. Further research could explore the long-term impact of such modules on student engagement and retention, with recommendations for integrating multimedia enhancements to foster a more dynamic learning experience. Keywords: Instructional Module, Science Technology and Society, ADDIE Model, Educational Material Development, Acceptability

Molecular Simulation of Graphene Growth Reactions at Various Temperatures Derived from Benzene in Coal Tar Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Coal tar, a by-product of the pyrolysis of coal, is rich in aromatic compounds that have the potential to facilitate the synthesis of graphene, a high-quality carbon material, via low-temperature chemical vapor deposition (CVD). This approach offers a promising avenue for the cost-effective and large-scale industrial production of graphene while minimizing energy consumption. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of research focused on the low-temperature synthesis mechanisms of graphene derived from aromatic compounds in the context of graphene growth. To achieve high-quality graphene synthesis from coal tar and its aromatic constituents at reduced temperatures, a comprehensive investigation into the reaction pathways of these aromatic compounds is essential. In this study, we meticulously simulate the pyrolysis of benzene, a key aromatic component of coal tar, across various temperature settings utilizing reactive force field (ReaxFF) methodology. Furthermore, we apply density functional theory (DFT) calculations, executed through the Vienna Ab initio Simulation Package (VASP), to assess the dehydrogenation energy associated with the adsorption of benzene on vapor-deposited copper foils. Our molecular dynamics simulations, enhanced by a mixed force field approach, revealed that the dehydrogenated benzene ring (C6 intermediate) acts as a critical precursor for graphene synthesis. This research significantly elucidates the reaction pathways of aromatic benzene in coal tar through molecular simulations conducted at different temperatures, both in the gas phase and on solid copper foil substrates.

Controlled Oxidation of Metallic Molybdenum Patterns via Joule Heating for Localized MoS2 Growth

High-quality two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D TMDs), such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), have significant potential for advanced electrical and optoelectronic applications. This study introduces a novel approach to control the localized growth of MoS2 through the selective oxidation of bulk molybdenum patterns using Joule heating, followed by sulfurization. By passing an electric current through molybdenum patterns under ambient conditions, localized heating induced the formation of a molybdenum oxide layer, primarily MoO2 and MoO3, depending on the applied power and heating duration. These oxides act as nucleation sites for the subsequent growth of MoS2. The properties of the grown MoS2 films were investigated using Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence measurements, showing promising film quality. This study demonstrates that Joule heating can be an effective method for precise control over TMD growth, offering a scalable approach for producing high-quality 2D materials that have the potential to be integrated into next-generation electrical and optoelectronic technologies.

Synthesis of a three-phase heterojunction NdVO4/V2O5/BiVO4 by cation exchange method for the degradation of anionic azo dye orange II.

Photocatalytic degradation of the azo dye orange II using NdVO4/V2O5/BiVO4 under visible light is reported here, and this oxygen-rich defect three-phase heterojunction structure is constructed using a two-step cation exchange method. This heterojunction significantly enhances the separation and migration efficiency of photo-induced charges, while the accompanying oxygen defects effectively capture photogenerated electrons, thereby suppressing the recombination of electrons and holes. Experimental characterization and theoretical calculations demonstrate the efficient separation and transfer capabilities of photogenerated carriers and their excellent photocatalytic degradation performance. Particularly, when treating the anionic dye orange II, this heterojunction structure achieves a degradation efficiency of up to 96.15%. Cycling tests show that NVB-24 exhibits good stability during the reaction process. This research provides a promising photocatalyst for the efficient degradation of anionic azo dyes and offers new insights for developing high-quality photocatalytic materials.

Strength Tests and Mechanism of Composite Stabilized Lightweight Soil Using Dredged Sludge

To achieve resourceful utilization of dredged sludge, lightweight treatment was performed on sludge from Xunsi River in Wuhan using fly ash, cement, and expanded polystyrene (EPS) particles. Density tests and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests were conducted on the composite stabilized sludge lightweight soil to determine the optimal mix ratio for high-quality roadbed fill material with low self-weight and high strength. Subsequently, microstructural tests, including X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were conducted. The Particle (Pore) and Crack Analysis System (PCAS) was used to analyze the SEM images, investigating the cement–fly ash composite stabilization mechanism. The experimental results showed that the optimal lightweight treatment was achieved with an EPS content of 80% (by volume ratio to dry soil), cement content of 7.5% (by mass ratio to dry soil), and fly ash content of 5% (by mass ratio to dry soil). The density of the optimized lightweight soil was 1.04 g/cm3, a reduction of 28.27% compared to the density of raw sludge soil (1.45 g/cm3). The UCS increased significantly from 110 kPa for raw sludge soil to 551 kPa. The addition of fly ash enhanced the hydration and secondary hydration reactions between cement and sludge, generating more calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel, which filled the larger pores between the EPS particles and soil particles, as well as those between the soil particles themselves, making the structure denser. Compared to single cement stabilization, composite stabilization resulted in a lower content of expansive ettringite crystals, a more uniform pore distribution, fewer pores, and a lower surface porosity ratio. These research findings can provide theoretical support and practical references for the lightweight treatment of dredged sludge in the Yangtze River Basin of Central China.

Potential for circular economy of the briquetting process of steel chips generated in a metallurgical industry in the metropolitan region of Sorocaba, São Paulo State, Brazil

Machining is a manufacturing process that is widely used in the metallurgical industry. In this process, a waste removed from the machined workpiece is generated, known as steel chip. An alternative to steel chip management involves briquetting, a process of compressing and then forming compact steel blocks, known as briquettes. The main goal of this study was to investigate the potential for the circular economy of the briquetting process of steel chips generated in a metallurgical industry in the Metropolitan Region of Sorocaba, state of São Paulo, Brazil. The methodology involved the survey of primary and secondary data on the management of waste from this industry, highlighting the quantification, by means of weight sensors, of the steel chips and briquettes sold. In addition, other surveys included interviews with employees and the sale price of scrap metal. The results showed that briquetting increases the sale value of the waste by 31%, as it transforms the chip contaminated with oil, a hazardous waste, into high-quality, inert and compact recyclable material, in addition to separating the oil for reuse in the machining process, enhancing the circular economy. It was concluded that briquetting promoted the circular economy and cleaner production, generating new economic flows from metal waste.

Industry of Okladnikov Cave Layer 3 in the Context of the Sibiryachikha Complexes of the Altai Mountains

This paper presents the results of a comprehensive analysis of lithics from layer 3 of Okladnikov Cave and their relevance to the Sibiryachikha industries of the Altai Mountains. Attribute analysis has shown that the industry of layer 3 demonstrates technological and typological similarities with the Sibiryachikha industries. These include radial flaking with an offset technological axis, a predominance of convergent side-scrapers, and a series of planoconvex bifacial tools. Functionally, the site was a camp where horse and rhinoceros carcasses were butchered and consumed. The analysis of flaking sequence integrity revealed similarity between Okladnikov layer 3 and Chagyrskaya industries in terms of primary and bifacial reduction. The initial stages of core decortication were carried out outside the cave, at the rock outcrops. Subsequent stages of core utilization and all stages of bifacial flaking were carried out in situ. The main difference between Okladnikov layer 3 and Chagyrskaya layer 6c/2 industries concerns only the stage of manufacturing and modifying stone tools. At Okladnikov Cave, these processes were much more intense than at Chagyrskaya, which may indicate transportation of numerous tools and blanks made of high-quality raw material from more distant sources.

Two-dimensional Czochralski growth of single-crystal MoS2.

Batch production of single-crystal two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides is one prerequisite for the fabrication of next-generation integrated circuits. Contemporary strategies for the wafer-scale high-quality crystallinity of 2D materials centre on merging unidirectionally aligned, differently sized domains. However, an imperfectly merged area with a translational lattice brings about a high defect density and low device uniformity, which restricts the application of the 2D materials. Here we establish a liquid-to-solid crystallization in 2D space that can rapidly grow a centimetre-scale single-crystal MoS2 domain with no grain boundaries. The large MoS2 single crystal obtained shows superb uniformity and high quality with an ultra-low defect density. A statistical analysis of field effect transistors fabricated from the MoS2 reveals a high device yield and minimal variation in mobility, positioning this FET as an advanced standard monolayer MoS2 device. This 2D Czochralski method has implications for fabricating high-quality and scalable 2D semiconductor materials and devices.

Highly Thermal-Conductive Cubic Boron Arsenide: Single-Crystal Growth, Properties, and Future Thin-Film Epitaxy.

Heat dissipation has become a critical challenge in modern electronics, driving the need for a revolution in thermal management strategies beyond traditional packaging materials, thermal interface materials, and heat sinks. Cubic boron arsenide (c-BAs) offers a promising solution, thanks to its combination of high thermal conductivity and high ambipolar mobility, making it highly suitable for applications in both electronic devices and thermal management. However, challenges remain, particularly in the large-scale synthesis of a high-quality material and the tuning of its physical properties. This Perspective reviews key research on c-BAs and discusses the future potential of van der Waals (vdW) epitaxy and remote epitaxy for preparing high-quality c-BAs thin-films. Based on superlattice area mismatch calculations, we predict some potential substrates for these epitaxy techniques. Three important design considerations for future vdW or remote epitaxy of c-BAs thin-films are identified: superlattice matching at the heterointerface, the kinetics of B and As adatoms, and the surface modification of vdW or vdW/3D substrates.

In-Situ Polymerization for Catalytic Graphitization of Boronated PAN Using Aluminum and Zirconium Containing Co-Catalysts

In-situ polymerization is an effective method for integrating co-catalysts homogeneously into the polymer matrix. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-derived highly graphitized carbon is a state-of-the-art material with diverse applications, including materials for energy storage devices, electrocatalysis, sensing, adsorption, and making structural composites of various technologies. Such highly graphitized materials can be effectively obtained through in-situ polymerization. The addition of external catalysts during in-situ polymerization not only enhances the polymerization rate but also facilitates the degree of graphitization and quality of graphitic carbon upon graphitization at moderate temperatures. In this study, we apply an in-situ polymerization technique to integrate aluminum triflate (Al(OTf)3) and zirconocene dichloride (C5H5)2ZrCl2 co-catalyst into a boronated polyacrylonitrile (B-PAN) matrix. The in-situ polymerization ensures the uniform distribution of the co-catalyst without aggregation, facilitating the formation of a well-ordered graphitic structure at a moderated temperature. Boronated polyacrylonitrile (B-PAN) solutions, with and without co-catalyst (Al(OTf)3, (C5H5)2ZrCl2 or both) were prepared through polymerization process, dried in an oven, and then subjected to graphitization at 1250 °C with a heating rate of 1 °C min−1 for 1 h under an N2 atmosphere. The resulting graphitic carbon was characterized to determine the impact of co-catalyst on the degree of graphitization. This study provides valuable insights into synthesizing high-quality graphitic carbon materials, offering promising pathways for their scalable production through the strategic use of in-situ polymerization and co-catalysis. These materials have potential applications in various fields, including environmental technologies, energy storage, and conversion, offering a pathway to design facile and economical graphitic carbon materials.

Metabolic engineering of Yarrowia lipolytica for the production and secretion of the saffron ingredient crocetin

BackgroundCrocetin is a multifunctional apocarotenoid natural product derived from saffron, holding significant promises for protection against various diseases and other nutritional applications. Historically, crocetin has been extracted from saffron stigmas, but this method is hindered by the limited availability of high-quality raw materials and complex extraction processes. To overcome these challenges, metabolic engineering and synthetic biology can be applied to the sustainable production of crocetin.ResultsWe constructed a Yarrowia lipolytica strain using hybrid promoters and copy number adjustment, which was able to produce 2.66 g/L of β-carotene, the precursor of crocetin. Next, the crocetin biosynthetic pathway was introduced, and we observed both the production and secretion of crocetin. Subsequently, the metabolite profiles under varied temperatures were studied and we found that low temperature was favorable for crocetin biosynthesis in Y. lipolytica. Therefore, a two-step temperature-shift fermentation strategy was adopted to optimize yeast growth and biosynthetic enzyme activity, bringing a 2.3-fold increase in crocetin titer. Lastly, fermentation media was fine-tuned for an optimal crocetin output of 30.17 mg/L, bringing a 51% higher titer compared with the previous highest report in shake flasks. Concomitantly, we also generated Y. lipolytica strains capable of achieving substantial zeaxanthin production, yielding 1575.09 mg/L, doubling the previous highest reported titer.ConclusionsThrough metabolic engineering and fermentation optimization, we demonstrated the first de novo biosynthesis of crocetin in the industrial yeast Yarrowia lipolytica. In addition, we achieved a higher crocetin titer in flasks than all our known reports. This work not only represents a high production of crocetin, but also entails a significant simultaneous zeaxanthin production, setting the stage for sustainable and cost-effective production of these valuable compounds.

Efficient construction of high-quality sulfonated porous aromatic frameworks by optimizing the swelling state of porous structures.

Conventional post-modification methods usually face the fundamental challenge of balancing the high content of functional groups and large surface area for porous organic polymers (POPs). The reason, presumably, stems from ineffective and insufficient swelling of the porous structure of POP materials, which is detrimental to mass transfer and modification of functional groups, especially with large-sized ones. It is important to note that significant differences exist in the porous structures of POP materials in a solvent-free state after thermal activation and solvent swelling state. Herein, we propose that the improvement of the swelling state of the porous structure of POP materials is more conducive to obtaining high-quality sulfonated POP materials, and employ a one-pot modification strategy for preparing sulfonated porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) to prove the proposal. These results show that the specific surface area of the resulting polymer is 580 m2 g-1 with a sulfur content of up to 13.2 wt%, which is superior to most sulfonated porous materials and the control sample. More importantly, we have also shown that the same conclusion is reached by performing similar treatments on hyper-crosslinked polymers (HCPs) and conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs), proving that our hypothesis is effective and feasible when compared to the conventional post-sulfonation method. The excellent hydrophilicity, rich content of sulfonic acid groups, high specific surface area and hierarchical pore structure make the resulting polymer an ideal adsorbent for micro-pollutants in water. The maximum adsorption capacities for Rhodamine B (RhB), Methylene Blue (MB), Tetracycline (TC) and Ciprofloxacin (CIP) are 1075 mg g-1, 1020 mg g-1, 826 mg g-1 and 1134 mg g-1, respectively. This study not only demonstrates the preparation of efficient sulfonated porous adsorbents for the efficient removal of cationic dyes and antibiotics but also illustrates an effective method for constructing high-quality functional POP materials by optimizing the swelling state of the porous structure.

Discovering the polymerization mechanism of aromatic carbon nitride

Decomposition, deamination, and ring-opening isomerization reactions during the synthesis of aromatic g-C3N4 are discovered, offering a reference for synthesizing high-quality g-C3N4 materials.

Evaluation of char properties from co-pyrolysis of biomass/plastics: effect of different types of plastics

Co-pyrolysis of biomass/plastics is a viable method to obtain high-quality carbon materials. The synergistic effect in the char production process of co-pyrolysis of biomass/plastics affects the properties of the obtained char. However, the synergistic effect research on the char production process of co-pyrolysis of biomass/plastics is facing challenges owing to highly varying composition of different plastics. In this study, the synergistic effect during co-pyrolysis of bamboo (BM) and plastics (polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)) was investigated. TG results showed that PP, PS, PET, and PBT promoted the release of biomass volatiles and increased co-pyrolysis char yield. Notably, the O-aromatic structure in PC underwent cleavage and deoxygenation reactions, inhibiting the production of co-pyrolysis char during co-pyrolysis process. Char yield from co-pyrolysis process decreased from 24.80% for bamboo pyrolysis to 15.74% for co-pyrolysis of bamboo/PC. The results of physicochemical tests on char samples indicated that the addition of polyhydrocarbon plastics (PP and PS) increased H/C ratio, O/C ratio, heating value and oxidative reactivity of the char compared to bamboo char due to the vapor deposition of hydrocarbons derived from thermal decomposition of plastics on the biomass char. While, co-pyrolysis of biomass and polyester plastics (PET, PC, PBT) improved the pore structure of char and increased oxygen content.

Unveiling the amalgamation of growing substrates and cultivars for low-cost plantlet multiplication in banana

The cultivated bananas (Musa spp.) have a complex reproductive physiology which favours the vegetative methods of propagation, particularly sucker or tissue culture, as the commercial methods. Propagation of banana through macro-propagation technique can be employed to produce quality planting materials using less inputs. With this background, a scientifically designed investigation was carried out for optimizing composition of growing substrate for low-cost planting material production in banana. This study investigates the efficacy of macro-propagation techniques using different growing substrates and bio-fertilizers for two banana cultivars: ‘Grand Naine, AAA’ and ‘Alpan, AAB’. The experiment was laid out in complete randomized design (CRD) with eight different combinations of growing substrate with five replications. Results showed significant differences in the emergence of primary, secondary and tertiary buds, as well as root development. The treatment comprising sawdust (50 %) and banana fiber waste (50 %) with Trichoderma consistently outperformed others in terms of days taken primary (21.45), secondary (46.91) & tertiary bud emergence (58.99), and maximum number of primary (4.21), secondary (7.16) & tertiary shoots (19.91). Same growing media also recorded minimum days taken for root emergence (17.61 days), maximum number of roots per shoot (161.10), primary roots (24.89), secondary roots (46.32), tertiary roots (89.90) & highest root length (21.88 cm). The cultivar ‘Grand Naine, AAA’ exhibited superior performance across most parameters compared to ‘Alpan, AAB’. Overall, the treatment comprising sawdust (50 %) and banana fiber waste (50 %) with Trichoderma found to be a cost-effective and efficient method for producing high-quality banana planting materials, enhancing banana production and sustainability.

Innovative applications of MXenes in dialysis: enhancing filtration efficiency.

MXenes, a family of two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides, exhibit exceptional properties such as high electrical conductivity, large surface area, and chemical versatility, making them ideal candidates for various dialysis applications. One prominent application of MXenes lies in the efficient removal of toxic metals and harmful dyes from wastewater. Their unique structure allows for rapid adsorption and selective separation, significantly improving purification processes. MXenes show great promise in the therapeutic management of acute kidney injury, where their biocompatibility and ability to facilitate toxin removal can mitigate damage to renal tissues. In hemodialysis, MXenes can enhance membrane performance through improved permeability and selectivity, leading to more effective clearance of waste products. Despite the potential of MXene-based composites in dialysis applications, several challenges loom large on the horizon. The stability of MXenes in physiological environments is a critical concern, as they can undergo oxidation or degradation, which may compromise their functionality over time. The scalability of synthesis processes remains a significant barrier; producing high-quality MXene materials in sufficient quantities for clinical use is not yet fully realized. Moreover, ensuring biocompatibility is paramount, as any adverse reactions could lead to inflammation or other complications in patients. The integration of MXenes into existing dialysis systems requires meticulous engineering to maintain optimal filtration properties while avoiding clogging or fouling. The future of MXenes and their composites in dialysis presents a promising horizon, teeming with potential innovations. The development of hybrid materials that utilize MXenes alongside other nanomaterials can lead to multifunctional systems, capable of addressing multiple challenges faced in dialysis treatments. Advancements in fabrication techniques may allow for tailored porosity, enabling customized dialysis solutions for individual patients. Research into surface modifications and composites can enhance their stability and functionality, potentially overcoming current limitations. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape of MXenes in dialysis, highlighting their applications, challenges, and future directions. This review explores the diverse applications of MXenes in the field of dialysis, focusing on their roles in the removal of toxic metals and dyes, therapy for acute kidney injury, and hemodialysis enhancement.

Fabrication of n-i-p perovskite solar cells based on strategy of buried interface modification

Normal (n-i-p) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have received increasing attention due to their advantages such as high conversion efficiency and good stability. Tin dioxide is an ideal electron transport layer material for normal perovskite solar cells. Among various available electron transport layers, tin dioxide stands out because of its excellent stability, low density of defect states, and appropriate energy levels. The interface defects between tin dioxide and perovskite are the key factors restricting the improvement of the conversion efficiency in perovskite solar cells. Therefore, a method of fabricating normal perovskite solar cells based on the buried interface modification strategy is proposed in this work. By doping methylammonium bromide into tin dioxide to form a buried interface, the interface defects between tin dioxide and perovskite are reduced, the electron mobility of tin dioxide is enhanced, and the growth of high-quality perovskite materials is promoted. The conversion efficiency of the normal perovskite solar cells reaches 23.12%, providing an effective strategy for fabricating high-efficiency normal perovskite solar cells.

Early-life enrichment in American mink (Neogale vison): Enrichment of the perinatal environment improves maternal nest building and reduces stereotypic behaviour

Abstract Pens for farmed mink (Neogale vison) commonly include separate nesting areas to provide privacy and warmth in the perinatal period. However, standard bedding materials may not be sufficient to allow intrinsically motivated nest-building behaviours in dams. Further, these materials may not produce optimal nest structures for the rearing of kits. In the present study, we provided extra, relatively high-quality nest-building materials and a chewable sisal rope enrichment for mink dams in the perinatal period (a group enriched at whelping; EW). The effects of these enrichments on various measures of welfare and maternal behaviour were compared to those of mink dams in standard housing (SH) and mink dams whose kits were enriched later in development (EK). EW dams performed less stereotypic behaviour and built higher quality nests than dams of other housing conditions, although dams’ basal faecal cortisol metabolite levels (FCM) were not affected. The stress responsiveness of these dams’ offspring was later assessed by sampling FCM before and after a handling event, however, this event did not appear to induce a measurable stress response and thus no conclusions could be drawn regarding effects of perinatal enrichment on HPA-axis development. Overall, provision of higher quality nest-building materials and a chewable rope enrichment benefited dam stereotypic behaviour and nest building in the perinatal period. We present suggestions for future studies to further investigate whether perinatal enrichment can impact maternal care and offspring HPA-axis development in mink.

STUDY OF THE GROUP COMPOSITION OF BITUMENS AND ITS POTENTIAL INFLUENCE ON PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY

This article discusses bitumen materials as an important material in the energy sector due to its high energy intensity. The influence of the group chemical composition of road bitumen on their physical and mechanical properties during commissioning of production is studied. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between the chemical composition and properties of bitumen, which is important for its processing and use as a raw material for alternative energy sources. The results of a study of the influence of the group composition on the rutting of asphalt concrete, which is one of the main indicators of the performance of asphalt concrete, are also presented. These studies will help to adjust the oxidation process of tar to obtain high-quality bitumen material with specified characteristics that will meet all the requirements of regulatory and technical documentation. The findings of the study highlight the importance of detailed analysis of bitumen to optimize its use, improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The article aims to broaden the understanding of the role of bitumen in the modern world and its potential in the context of sustainable development. Keywords: resins, oils, asphaltenes, bitumen, chromatography.

From Waste to Worth: Upcycling Plastic into High-Value Carbon-Based Nanomaterials.

Plastic waste (PW) presents a significant environmental challenge due to its persistent accumulation and harmful effects on ecosystems. According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), global plastic production in 2024 is estimated to reach approximately 500 million tons. Without effective intervention, most of this plastic is expected to become waste, potentially resulting in billions of tons of accumulated PW by 2060. This study explores innovative approaches to convert PW into high-value carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) such as graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and other advanced carbon structures. Various methods including pyrolysis, arc discharge, catalytic degradation, and laser ablation have been investigated in transforming PW into CNMs. However, four primary methodologies are discussed herein: thermal decomposition, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), flash joule heating (FJH), and stepwise conversion. The scalability of the pathways discussed for industrial applications varies significantly. Thermal decomposition, particularly pyrolysis, is highly scalable due to its straightforward setup and cost-effective operation, making it suitable for large-scale waste processing plants. It also produces fuel byproducts that can be used as an alternative energy source, promoting the concept of energy recovery and circular economy. CVD, while producing high-quality carbon materials, is less scalable due to the high cost and required complex equipment, catalyst, high temperature, and pressure, which limits its use to specialized applications. FJH offers rapid synthesis of high-quality graphene using an economically viable technique that can also generate valuable products such as green hydrogen, carbon oligomers, and light hydrocarbons. However, it still requires optimization for industrial throughput. Stepwise conversion, involving multiple stages, can be challenging to scale due to higher operational complexity and cost, but it offers precise control over material properties for niche applications. This research demonstrates the growing potential of upcycling PW into valuable materials that align with global sustainability goals including industry, innovation, and infrastructure (Goal 9), sustainable cities and communities (Goal 11), and responsible consumption and production (Goal 12). The findings underscore the need for enhanced recycling infrastructure and policy frameworks to support the shift toward a circular economy and mitigate the global plastic crisis.