Electromagnetic Radiation-Driven Plastic Degradation And Energy Recovery For Sustainable Waste Management

Abstract

The persistent accumulation of plastic waste presents a severe global environmental and resource management challenge. This study introduces an advanced methodology utilizing high-energy electromagnetic radiation, specifically UV and laser-induced photodegradation, to selectively dissociate polymeric molecular bonds at a quantum level. By precisely targeting carbon-carbon (C–C) and carbon-hydrogen (C–H) bonds, this non-thermal process ensures controlled polymer fragmentation into fundamental monomers without inducing hazardous emissions or secondary pollutants. The released bond dissociation energy is effectively harnessed via thermoelectric generators (TEGs) utilizing the Seebeck effect, alongside photoelectric cells that capture high-energy electron emissions through the photoelectric effect, converting them into direct electrical power. The proposed setup integrates spectroscopic verification techniques (FTIR, Raman, UV-Vis) with IoT-enabled real-time sensing and closed-loop optimization using smart feed-forward algorithms to ensure precise degradation efficiency and self-adjusting energy recovery control. This research designs a scalable, modular process of waste-to-energy conversion based on interdisciplinary engineering principles combining electronics, communication, radiation physics, and environmental sustainability. By addressing twin objectives—plastic waste reduction and renewable energy production, this practice pioneers’ new frontiers in paradigm shifts in sustainable waste management and energy recovery systems