Polyethylene terephthalate derived nanostructured plastic material for water treatment: Trends and advancement

Plastic waste significantly threatens global ecosystems, contaminating air, land, and water. Plastic bottles are particularly problematic due to their improper disposal. Climate change, deteriorating water quality, and population growth have increased the demand for clean water, necessitating innovative wastewater treatment solutions. Conventional technologies often fail to handle pollutants and have adverse environmental impacts. This review explores the transformative potential of nanomaterials derived from plastic waste, particularly Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), in addressing these challenges. PET plastic waste can remove organic components and nutrients from wastewater, offering a sustainable resource. High-value carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be synthesized from plastic shopping bags, offering waste management and resource recovery. The thermochemical decomposition of PET waste under autogenic pressure promotes the formation of carbon nanostructures like fullerenes and CNTs. PET-based nanomaterials are promising for efficient and eco-friendly wastewater treatment, mitigating environmental pollution, and addressing the global water crisis. Further research and innovation are needed to explore the full potential of plastic-derived nanomaterials for sustainable environmental solutions.