Solar‐Driven Upcycling of Waste Polyethylene Terephthalate

ABSTRACT

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste poses a significant environmental challenge, while existing recycling technologies are often constrained by high energy demand, limited product value, and inefficient carbon utilization. Solar‐driven PET upcycling offers an attractive alternative by harnessing renewable solar energy to convert PET waste into fuels and value‐added chemicals. This Review summarizes recent advances in photocatalytic, photothermal, and photoelectrochemical PET upcycling. Particular emphasis is placed on reaction mechanisms, selective bond activation, charge and energy management, and catalyst and device design. The opportunities and limitations of different solar‐driven pathways are discussed in terms of reaction routes, product selectivity, and process integration. Finally, future challenges and perspectives are outlined, providing guidance for the development of scalable solar‐driven technologies for plastic valorization and a circular plastics economy.