Iron electrocatalysis breaks down polystyrene and delivers green hydrogen

The vast amounts of plastic garbage heaped in landfills and in the environment are as problematic as the plastics are useful. In an article published in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition, a German research team has now introduced a new method for recycling polystyrene waste. Their efficient electrochemical process uses an inexpensive iron catalyst, produces hydrogen as a byproduct, and can be powered by solar panels.