Author | Transit
Produced | Technology "Knowledge" column group (public number: tech_163)
The impact of plastic pollution Already all over the world, even the remote Antarctica is not immune. Some experts have put forward the statement that "eating seafood is equivalent to eating plastic." Some people think this is alarmist, but in fact, scientists have confirmed that the human body contains plastic particles. Just last year, Austrian scientists announced the first discovery of plastic particles in human stool samples.
Plastic pollution has already entered the food chain and has begun to endanger human health. It’s just that most of us are still in the dark. But today we are not talking about plastic pollution, but a new technology that benefits mankind. This technology can turn plastic waste into lubricants and even cosmetics.
Recently, scientists have discovered a way to convert disposable plastic into a liquid with commercial value. This new method helps us to curb the harm of plastic pollution and create a "circular economy" of waste recycling.
Professor Kenneth Poppermeyer of Northwestern University, one of the authors of the research report, said: “The discovery of this new technology is very exciting for our research team because it will help us solve the growing problem of plastics. The problem of garbage. Our findings also have a very broad impact on future development. We can continue to benefit from plastics, but in a sustainable way and with less harm to the environment and human health."
Approximately 380 million tons of plastic are manufactured in the world every year, 75% of which are discarded after one use. In addition, about 8 million pieces of plastic are thrown into the ocean every day, endangering the ocean Ecological environment. For plastic pollution, our current solutions include landfill and plastic melting, but these methods are not sustainable.
Due to the "very strong" carbon bond connection, the plastic not only cannot be decomposed, but also produces plastic particles, which enter the environment and animals. The research team used platinum nanoparticles to create a "catalyst solution" that can decompose the carbon bonds of plastics at moderate temperature and pressure to produce high-quality hydrocarbon liquids.
, Dr. Massimigliano Defort of the research team said: “We are trying to transform polyethylene molecules into value-added commercial products through catalysis. Products, and recycle the high energy that binds these keys together.”
NetEase Technology’s "Knowledge" column, curious about the world, and explore the unknown with you.
Follow NetEase Technology WeChat ID (ID: tech_163), send "Yes", you can view all the manuscripts.
(Original title: Your plastic waste could soon be transformed into make-up, scientists claim)
(Editor in charge: 乔俊婧_NBJ11279)
