Construction of Multistep Charge Transfer Pathways in Bi ⁰ @Bi ³⁺ ‐KNbO ₃ for Significantly Accelerated Photoconversion of Waste Plastics

Abstract

Abstract Photoconversion of waste plastics into valuable CO and CH 3 COOH represents a ground‐breaking strategy for addressing plastic pollution issues. However, this process currently encounters significant challenges, primarily due to the limitation of catalyst activity and the difficulty in breaking C─C bonds. Herein, we present a novel approach that integrates multistep charge transfer pathways with photothermal‐driven reactions to improve photoconversion efficiency. By incorporating Bi 0 /Bi 3+ metal as an electron transport mediator for multistep charge transfer, we markedly enhanced the separation and transport of photoelectrons, thereby accelerating the generation of active species. Meanwhile, the heat generated by the localized surface plasmon resonance effect of Bi 0 drove the reactions related to the photoconversion of polypropylene. Subsequently, the photoconversion rates of PP into CO by Bi 0 @Bi 3+ ‐KNbO 3 reached 209.41 µmol g cat −1  h −1 , which is 27.55 times higher than that achieved with KNbO 3 . Furthermore, the dual Bi–Nb sites effectively stabilize the key intermediate *COOH, thereby promoting the production of CH 3 COOH at a rate of 213.00 µmol g cat −1  h −1 . This strategy of boosting photoconversion activity of PP into CO and CH 3 COOH offers an effective green solution to the serious issue of plastic pollution.