Australian scientists have made a breakthrough by developing a method for processing microplastics into graphene. This valuable material, consisting of a single atomic layer of carbon and having unique properties, can now be obtained from the smallest plastic particles that do not decompose and pose a threat to the environment and living organisms.
After grinding plastic bottles, the researchers applied the technology of microwave plasma synthesis at atmospheric pressure and obtained from microparticles graphene – a layer of carbon atoms with a special structure, stronger than diamond and five times lighter than aluminum. About 30 mg of microplastics in 1 minute produces almost 5 mg of graphene.
