Application of Nanotechnology in Plastic Waste Management and Recycling: Bangladesh Perspective

Md Shariful Islam^1*, Md Zakaria², Md Masum Rabbi Mim¹, Jafor Raihan¹, Alam Khan³, G M Shafiur Rahman⁴

This study provides critical insights into utilizing nanotechnology for sustainable plastic waste management in Bangladesh, promoting environmental and economic benefits.

Abstract

Plastic waste is a major environmental threat globally, with profound impacts on ecosystems. Rapid urbanization and economic growth in Bangladesh have significantly increased plastic consumption and pollution. Between 2005 and 2020, the average annual per capita plastic usage surged from 3 kg to 9 kg, with an even more pronounced rise in Dhaka, where it grew from 9.2 kg to 22.25 kg per capita over the same period. This escalating plastic consumption is projected to continue generating substantial plastic waste, which, without proper management, contributes to severe environmental degradation. Consequently, Bangladesh ranks among the nations with the highest plastic pollution levels, emphasizing the urgent need for effective recycling and waste management strategies. Nanotechnology offers a promising approach for addressing this issue. Transforming plastic waste into valuable nanomaterials not only mitigates environmental and human health risks but also provides resources for diverse applications. However, no studies to date have specifically examined the use of nanotechnology in Bangladesh for plastic waste management. This study aims to bridge this gap by demonstrating the conversion of PET waste into high-value carbon-based nanomaterials through nanotechnological processes. Our findings highlight the potential of waste plastics to produce various nanomaterials, including carbon dots, graphene and graphene films, carbon nanocomposites, MoC2 nanoparticles, photoluminescent carbon nanoparticles, carbon nanostructures, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), thereby offering a sustainable solution for plastic waste reduction.

Keywords: Waste plastic, Recycle, Nanomaterials, Management, Carbon Nanotube, Graphene

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