Comprehensive Insights into Photoreforming of Waste Plastics for Hydrogen Production

The global plastic crisis, with over 400 million metric tons produced annually and minimal recycling, demands urgent solutions. Photocatalytic plastic photoreforming offers a dual benefit: converting non-recyclable plastics into hydrogen fuel and valuable chemicals using solar energy under mild conditions. This critical review highlights recent advances in photocatalyst design, including semiconductors, MOF-derived materials, and co-catalyst systems, and explores key insights into plastic degradation mechanisms and reactor configurations. Operational factors such as pH, light intensity, and flow dynamics are discussed for their impact on hydrogen yield and product selectivity. Life cycle and techno-economic assessments reveal current challenges in efficiency, scalability, and cost to illuminate the feasibility of implementing the technology at industrial scale. This study suggests that innovations in catalyst engineering, light management, and system integration provide viable paths forward. With its potential to upcycle plastic waste and contribute to low-carbon hydrogen economies, photoreforming represents a promising approach in advancing circular economy goals, especially when coupled with policy support and smart separation strategies.