Microplastic Recovery and Conversion Pathways: The Most Recent Advancements in Technologies for the Generation of Renewable Energy

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) are an increasingly significant environmental problem, and there is growing interest in their potential as an energy source. Current investigations in this area are scarce and heterogeneous, which hinders a comprehensive assessment of both technological feasibility and implementation prospects. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of current research on energy recovery from MPs, with particular emphasis on technologies such as pyrolysis, gasification, electrochemical methods, and hybrid biomass-based technologies. The processes were analyzed in terms of energy balance, carbon conversion, composition and energy value of the products, energy losses and by-products, reaction time and process efficiency, as well as technological complexity and scalability. Within the reviewed methodologies, pyrolysis is the most scalable method, producing valuable oils and gases efficiently. Gasification can yield hydrogen-rich syngas but is still at pilot scale. Hybrid approaches improve efficiency but need feedstock optimization, while photodegradation and electrochemical methods remain at the research stage. Further progress requires method standardization, environmental and economic assessment, and integration with existing infrastructure.