Integrated Conversion of Plastic Waste and CO2 into Value-Added Chemicals and Fuels via Electrochemical, and Photoelectrochemical Pathways

The concurrent accumulation of plastic waste and CO2 emissions poses a critical environmental challenge while presenting a compelling opportunity for integrated carbon management. Coupled plastic waste reforming and CO2 conversion has recently emerged as a promising strategy to valorize these abundant waste streams into fuels and value-added chemicals, enabling a closed carbon cycle. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in integrated electrochemical and photoelectrochemical systems for the co-conversion of plastic waste and CO2. Fundamental reaction pathways, including plastic depolymerization, reforming, and oxidation, are discussed in conjunction with their thermodynamic and kinetic coupling to CO2 reduction. Particular emphasis is placed on paired electrochemical processes, such as plastic-derived alcohol oxidation coupled with CO2 reduction processes, all of which offer enhanced energy efficiency. Photoelectrochemical approaches driven by renewable energy are further highlighted for their potential to operate under mild conditions. In addition, key design strategies for catalysts and electrodes—focusing on earth-abundant materials, redox stability, interfacial engineering, and selectivity control—are critically evaluated. Finally, current challenges and future opportunities are outlined to accelerate the development of scalable, efficient, and sustainable technologies for circular chemical manufacturing.