How Lasers Could Solve the World’s Plastic Problem

A team has created a laser technique to break down tough plastics into valuable components, offering a new, sustainable approach to tackling global plastic pollution.

A global research team, led by Texas Engineers, has developed a laser-based method to decompose the molecules in plastics and other materials into their fundamental components for future reuse.

The discovery, which involves laying these materials on top of two-dimensional materials called transition metal dichalcogenides and then lighting them up, has the potential to improve how we dispose of plastics that are nearly impossible to break down with today’s technologies.

“By harnessing these unique reactions, we can explore new pathways for transforming environmental pollutants into valuable, reusable chemicals, contributing to the development of a more sustainable and circular economy,” said Yuebing Zheng, professor in the Cockrell School of Engineering’s Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering and one of the leaders on the project.​ “This discovery has significant implications for addressing environmental challenges and advancing the field of green chemistry.”