Researchers from James Cook University (JCU) have made an exciting breakthrough that allows them to turn harmful microplastics into graphene, a highly valuable material.
This achievement, published in the journal Small Science, offers a promising solution to the growing problem of microplastic pollution.
Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastic that break down from larger waste. They are notorious for being non-degradable and insoluble in water, posing a serious threat to marine life, animals, and even humans.
“These microplastics are especially dangerous because they absorb organic pollutants and enter our food chains,” explained JCU’s Dr. Adeel Zafar.
This pollution disrupts marine life and coral reproduction, leading to significant environmental harm.
Recycling microplastics has been a major challenge due to the complicated and costly processes involved, which results in very little recovery of useful materials. However, upcycling—turning waste into higher-value products—has been identified as a highly desirable solution.
The JCU team, led by Professor Mohan Jacob, developed a new method to tackle this issue. They ground plastic bottles into microplastics and used an innovative technique called Atmospheric Pressure Microwave Plasma synthesis to convert the debris into graphene.
Graphene is a one-atom-thick carbon material that is incredibly strong—200 times stronger than steel—and yet five times lighter than aluminum. Its unique properties have made it highly sought after in industries ranging from electronics to water purification.
The results were impressive: in just one minute, the team was able to produce nearly 5 milligrams of graphene from 30 milligrams of microplastics.
This method is not only faster but also more environmentally friendly than previous techniques for creating graphene.
“The research represents a significant milestone,” said Dr. Zafar. The graphene produced could be used in various applications, including making sensors and purifying water, particularly by absorbing harmful substances like PFAS.
This discovery not only introduces a new way to create graphene but also contributes to the global effort to reduce the harmful impact of microplastics on our environment.
