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Photocatalytic upcycling of polylactic acid to alanine by sulfur vacancy-rich cadmium sulfide

Author

Listed:
  • Yue Wu

    (National University of Singapore
    Tianjin University)

  • Phuc T. T. Nguyen

    (National University of Singapore
    Fuzhou)

  • Sie Shing Wong

    (National University of Singapore)

  • Minjun Feng

    (Nanyang Technological University)

  • Peijie Han

    (National University of Singapore)

  • Bingqing Yao

    (National University of Singapore)

  • Qian He

    (National University of Singapore
    National University of Singapore)

  • Tze Chien Sum

    (Nanyang Technological University)

  • Tianyong Zhang

    (Tianjin University)

  • Ning Yan

    (National University of Singapore
    Fuzhou
    National University of Singapore)

Abstract

Photocatalytic conversion has emerged as a promising strategy for harnessing renewable solar energy in the valorization of plastic waste. However, research on the photocatalytic transformation of plastics into valuable nitrogen-containing chemicals remains limited. In this study, we present a visible-light-driven pathway for the conversion of polylactic acid (PLA) into alanine under mild conditions. This process is catalyzed by defect-engineered CdS nanocrystals synthesized at room temperature. We observe a distinctive volcano-shaped relationship between sulfur vacancy content in CdS and the corresponding alanine production rate reaching up to 4.95 mmol/g catalyst/h at 70 oC. Ultraviolet-visible, photocurrent, electrochemical impedance, transient absorption, photoluminescence, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy collectively highlight the crucial role of sulfur vacancies. The surface vacancies serve as adsorption sites for lactic acid; however, an excessive number of vacancies can hinder charge transfer efficiency. Sulfur vacancy-rich CdS exhibits high stability with maintained performance and morphology over several runs, effectively converts real-life PLA products and shows potential in the amination of other polyesters. This work not only highlights a facile approach for fabricating defect-engineered catalysts but also presents a sustainable method for upcycling plastic waste into valuable chemicals.

Suggested Citation

  • Yue Wu & Phuc T. T. Nguyen & Sie Shing Wong & Minjun Feng & Peijie Han & Bingqing Yao & Qian He & Tze Chien Sum & Tianyong Zhang & Ning Yan, 2025. "Photocatalytic upcycling of polylactic acid to alanine by sulfur vacancy-rich cadmium sulfide," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-55930-x
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-55930-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Song Song & Jiafu Qu & Peijie Han & Max J. Hülsey & Guping Zhang & Yunzhu Wang & Shuai Wang & Dongyun Chen & Jianmei Lu & Ning Yan, 2020. "Visible-light-driven amino acids production from biomass-based feedstocks over ultrathin CdS nanosheets," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-10, December.
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