Hydrogen produced from plastic waste and battery acid
Graphical abstract (Illustration: Joule/University of Cambridge)
April 6, 2026 – Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a method to convert plastic waste and used battery acid into hydrogen. Using sunlight, the process breaks down waste and produces hydrogen along with other useful chemicals. It works with multiple types of plastic and requires relatively low energy input. The approach could support more sustainable energy production and improved waste utilization.
The study was published in early April in Joule under the title ‘Solar reforming of plastics using acid-catalyzed depolymerization’. It is online>
