A German research team has developed a new method for recycling polystyrene, a widely-used but seldom-recycled plastic, which accumulates massively in landfills and poses serious environmental threats. Currently, only about 1% of polystyrene is recycled, with global production growing annually. The new method, described in Angewandte Chemie, is an efficient, electrochemical process that uses a low-cost iron catalyst to break down polystyrene into valuable chemical components, such as benzoic acid and benzaldehyde, which can serve as starting materials for various chemical syntheses.

The new method involves an electrochemical process. This process is efficient and cost-effective.

Inexpensive Electrochemical Process:
The method uses inexpensive materials, making it more accessible for widespread implementation. This process produces hydrogen as a byproduct, which, alongside plastic recycling, contributes to green energy production. The system can run on solar power, further enhancing its sustainability. The method has proven effective with real-life plastic waste and can be scaled up for industrial use, potentially making polystyrene recycling both economically and environmentally viable, while also contributing to decentralized hydrogen production. The process effectively recycles polystyrene waste, reducing the amount of plastic trash.

Carbon Recycling:
The innovation promotes carbon recycling, which can help mitigate environmental issues related to plastic waste. This breakthrough in polystyrene recycling could significantly contribute to reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable practices.

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