A 2026 scientific development involving solar-driven photoreforming of plastic waste primarily produces which clean fuel?

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The correct answer is Option C: Hydrogen fuel. Plastic waste can be converted into hydrogen fuel through solar-driven photoreforming using light-sensitive photocatalysts. Photoreforming is a photocatalytic process that uses sunlight or artificial light to drive chemical reactions on organic materials. In plastic photoreforming, polymers like polyethylene and polypropylene are converted into hydrogen, syngas, acetic acid, and hydrocarbons. Photoreforming can operate at ambient temperature and pressure in some laboratory systems. Plastics are easier to oxidise than water, reducing energy demand for hydrogen production compared to water splitting. A University of Cambridge research system operated for over 260 hours using a robust photocatalyst without performance loss. Cambridge research used acid from old car batteries to convert plastic waste into hydrogen and chemicals. A University of Adelaide study (Chem Catalysis, 28 April 2026) focused on solar-powered plastic-to-hydrogen conversion systems. Another University of Adelaide process used a metal-free carbon catalyst to produce hydrogen and liquid fuels from plastics. Global plastic production exceeds 400 million tonnes annually. Only about 10% to 18% of global plastic waste is currently recycled.

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Methane fuel

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Coal gas

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Diesel fuel

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Petrol fuel

A 2026 scientific development involving solar-driven photoreforming of plastic waste primarily produces which clean fuel?

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A 2026 scientific development involving solar-driven photoreforming of plastic waste primarily produces which clean fuel?

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