# Researchers present one-pot photothermal upcycling of polylactic acid to hydrogen and pyruvic acid

**URL:** https://community.materialssquare.com/t/researchers-present-one-pot-photothermal-upcycling-of-polylactic-acid-to-hydrogen-and-pyruvic-acid/348
**Category:** News
**Created:** [June 4, 2024, 11:42am UTC](https://community.materialssquare.com/t/researchers-present-one-pot-photothermal-upcycling-of-polylactic-acid-to-hydrogen-and-pyruvic-acid/348 "2024-06-04T11:42:51Z")
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### Author: ![gabriele1](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/user_avatar/community.materialssquare.com/gabriele1/32/20_2.png) [@gabriele1](https://community.materialssquare.com/u/gabriele1)
#### Post date: [June 4, 2024, 11:42am UTC](https://community.materialssquare.com/t/researchers-present-one-pot-photothermal-upcycling-of-polylactic-acid-to-hydrogen-and-pyruvic-acid/348/1 "2024-06-04T11:42:51Z")

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Researchers from Sichuan University have developed a photothermal catalyst, Pt/CdS, to upcycle polylactic acid (PLA) into hydrogen and pyruvic acid. This process, published in the _Chinese Journal of Catalysis_, combines photochemical and thermochemical reactions, enhancing the efficiency of PLA conversion. The Pt/CdS catalyst’s strong light absorption and suitable valence band edges make it highly selective for producing pyruvic acid and hydrogen. The study highlights the potential of photothermal catalysis in addressing plastic waste while contributing to a circular economy.

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> **[Researchers present one-pot photothermal upcycling of polylactic acid to...](https://phys.org/news/2024-06-pot-photothermal-upcycling-polylactic-acid.html)**
>
> Plastic waste, a ubiquitous pollutant, poses a significant threat to both humans and the environment. However, it also represents a vast carbon resource. Recycling or upcycling plastic waste is not just a question of environmental sustainability but...