Microwave-driven conversion of waste plastics to high-value chemicals: Progress, challenges, prospects

Abstract Microwave catalytic technology provides a new method for chemical recycling of waste plastics. This review summarizes the research progress in microwave catalytic conversion of waste plastics. It introduces the synergistic effect of microwave dielectric heating and catalytic reactions. The depolymerization pathways of typical waste plastics are reviewed. The design and structure-activity relationships of microwave-absorbing catalysts are discussed. The effects of reaction parameters on product distribution are also analyzed. Then the challenges facing this field are discussed, including unclear reaction mechanisms, rapid catalyst deactivation, and difficulties in scaling up the process. Finally, future research directions are proposed, which involve clarifying multi-scale reaction mechanisms, developing high-stability catalysts, and designing continuous reaction devices.