Researchers at Adelaide University are developing solar-driven photoreforming technology to turn plastic waste into hydrogen, syngas, and industrial chemicals. By using light-activated photocatalysts, the process breaks down carbon-rich plastics at low temperatures, offering a more energy-efficient alternative to traditional hydrogen production. While laboratory results show successful continuous operation, significant hurdles remain for industrial scaling. These include the need for better plastic sorting to remove additives, more durable catalysts, and more efficient methods for separating the resulting gas and liquid mixtures.
