Photocatalytic upcycling of polylactic acid to alanine by sulfur vacancy-rich cadmium sulfide

Yue Wu, Phuc T. T. Nguyen, Sie Shing Wong, Minjun Feng, Peijie Han, Bingqing Yao, Qian He, Tze Chien Sum, Tianyong Zhang and Ning Yan (ning.yan@nus.edu.sg)
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Yue Wu: National University of Singapore
Phuc T. T. Nguyen: National University of Singapore
Sie Shing Wong: National University of Singapore
Minjun Feng: Nanyang Technological University
Peijie Han: National University of Singapore
Bingqing Yao: National University of Singapore
Qian He: National University of Singapore
Tze Chien Sum: Nanyang Technological University
Tianyong Zhang: Tianjin University
Ning Yan: National University of Singapore

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Photocatalytic conversion has emerged as a promising strategy for harnessing renewable solar energy in the valorization of plastic waste. However, research on the photocatalytic transformation of plastics into valuable nitrogen-containing chemicals remains limited. In this study, we present a visible-light-driven pathway for the conversion of polylactic acid (PLA) into alanine under mild conditions. This process is catalyzed by defect-engineered CdS nanocrystals synthesized at room temperature. We observe a distinctive volcano-shaped relationship between sulfur vacancy content in CdS and the corresponding alanine production rate reaching up to 4.95 mmol/g catalyst/h at 70 oC. Ultraviolet-visible, photocurrent, electrochemical impedance, transient absorption, photoluminescence, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy collectively highlight the crucial role of sulfur vacancies. The surface vacancies serve as adsorption sites for lactic acid; however, an excessive number of vacancies can hinder charge transfer efficiency. Sulfur vacancy-rich CdS exhibits high stability with maintained performance and morphology over several runs, effectively converts real-life PLA products and shows potential in the amination of other polyesters. This work not only highlights a facile approach for fabricating defect-engineered catalysts but also presents a sustainable method for upcycling plastic waste into valuable chemicals.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-55930-x

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