Conversion of waste micro/nano plastics into carbon materials: A new trend for renewable energy and environmental applications

Document Type

Review

Publication Date

6-1-2026

Abstract

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging contaminants that accumulate in air, water, soil, and biota, where they act as carriers of co-pollutants and pose potential risks to ecosystems and human health. At the same time, their polymer backbones, embedded additives, and high surface-area-to-volume ratios make them intriguing precursors for carbonaceous materials in energy and environmental technologies. In this review, we first examine current methods for detecting and separating MNPs. We then evaluate conversion routes proven on MNPs, including coagulation-assisted carbonization (electrocoagulation and ferric-salt routes), catalytic pyrolysis, hydrothermal carbonization, atmospheric-pressure microwave plasma, and bio-template carbonization methods. Across applications, we summarize how MNP-derived carbons function as supercapacitor and battery electrodes, Fenton-type catalysts, adsorbents, and hydrogen co-production platforms. Finally, we outline major challenges, including feed dilution, process integration with existing treatment infrastructure, toxicity and life-cycle implications of MNP-derived products. By centering MNPs, this review provides a cohesive “detect → separate → convert → apply” framework and practical design rules to accelerate circular, scalable upcycling of the smallest and most problematic plastic fractions.

Keywords

Carbon nanomaterials, Energy storage, Environmental remediation, Plastic upcycling, Renewable energy, Waste micro/nano plastics

Publication Title

Applied Energy

ISSN

0306-2619

DOI

10.1016/j.apenergy.2026.127690

Volume

412

Publisher

Elsevier

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS