Solution plasma synthesis of Pt-decorated Bi₁₂O₁₇Cl₂ photocatalysts for efficient upcycling of plastics

Photocatalytic upcycling of plastic waste is a promising approach to relieving pressure caused by solid waste, but the rational design of novel efficient photocatalysts remains a challenge. Herein, we utilize subnano-sized platinum (Pt)-based photocatalysts for plastic upcycling. A solution plasma strategy is developed to fabricate Pt-decorated Bi₁₂O₁₇Cl₂ (SP-BOC). The Pt in an oxidant state and oxygen vacancies optimize the electronic structure for fast charge transfer. As a result, SP-BOC displays high performance for upcycling polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polylactic acid (PLA) into acetic acid and formic acid, with yield rate and selectivity of 6.09 mg g-1 cat. h⁻¹ and 94 %, and 48.05 mg g-1 cat. h⁻¹ and 55.1 %, respectively. In addition, the dichlorination efficiency of PVC reaches 77.8 % within 10 h reaction, effectively reducing the environmental hazards associated with PVC waste disposal treatments. This research provides insight into the effective conversion of plastics into high-value chemicals, contributing to the reduction of carbon and toxic emissions in a practical and meaningful way, and offering a useful way for solving challenges of waste management and environmental sustainability.