Upcycling of Polymeric Materials, Carbon Dioxide and IT-Enabled Innovations

Dear Colleagues,

At present, the environmental impact of polymeric waste and rising carbon dioxide levels poses a significant threat to global sustainability. In order to address these challenges, this Special Issue focuses on innovative strategies and technologies for the upcycling of polymeric materials and the efficient utilization of carbon dioxide as a resource. Additionally, it emphasizes the role of information technologies (IT) in driving advancements and optimizing processes in these domains.

This Special Issue aims to explore cutting-edge methods that transform polymeric waste and CO₂ into high-value products, contributing to circular economy practices and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The integration of IT solutions, such as data-driven modeling, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital twin technologies, further enhances the efficiency and sustainability of upcycling processes. The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

•  Advanced Recycling and Upcycling Technologies:

• Hybrid mechanical–chemical recycling methods for polymeric waste.
• Innovations in depolymerization and polymer repurposing techniques.
• The development of energy-efficient processes for high-value polymeric material recovery.
• Exploring nanotechnology for improved polymer recycling efficiency.

• CO₂-derived functional materials for energy storage and environmental applications.
• The development of biodegradable polymers from CO₂ precursors.
• The integration of CO₂-based synthesis with renewable energy sources.
• The role of CO₂ in the development of advanced composite materials.

• Electrochemical methods for CO₂ conversion into fuels and chemicals.
• CO₂ utilization in circular economy models for the chemical industry.
• Novel catalysts for enhanced selectivity in CO₂ conversion processes.
• Biological pathways for CO₂ sequestration and utilization in synthetic biology.

• Digital platforms for predictive maintenance in recycling facilities.
• IoT-enabled monitoring systems for real-time tracking of recycling processes.
• Big data analytics for waste management and resource allocation optimization.
• Machine learning algorithms for end-of-life material classification and sorting.

• The development of AI-driven predictive models for material properties and recycling outcomes.
• Automated defect detection and quality assurance in upcycled products.
• Quantum computing applications in molecular modeling of polymer degradation.
• Neural networks for process parameter optimization in carbon dioxide recycling.

• Blockchain applications for ensuring traceability in recycled polymer supply chains.
• Integration of smart contracts in waste management systems for incentivizing recycling.
• Data privacy and security considerations in IT-enabled circular economies.
• Gamification and decentralized apps for consumer engagement in recycling initiatives.

• Comparative analyses of carbon footprints across traditional and innovative recycling methods.
• Multi-criteria decision analysis for selecting sustainable recycling technologies.
• Environmental impact assessments of integrating digital solutions into upcycling processes.
• The socio-economic benefits of IT-enabled sustainability initiatives in the polymer industry.

• The virtual prototyping of polymer recycling plants using digital twin technologies.
• Multi-physics simulations for scale-up of CO₂-utilization processes.
• Incorporating augmented reality for operator training in recycling facilities.
• Digital twins for predictive modeling in supply chain optimization.

• Synergies between polymer recycling and renewable energy technologies.
• Bio-inspired and nature-mimetic approaches to upcycling polymeric materials.
• Social and behavioral science perspectives on IT-enabled recycling adoption.
• Education and outreach strategies leveraging IT to promote recycling and upcycling awareness.

• Frameworks for aligning IT-enabled innovations with global sustainability goals.
• Incentives and challenges in implementing CO₂-based material technologies.
• The role of public-private partnerships in advancing upcycling ecosystems.
• Policy-driven research on blockchain for carbon credits and material lifecycle tracking.

We warmly invite contributions from researchers and practitioners in material science, environmental engineering, and IT to share their innovative findings and ideas, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in the fields of polymer and CO₂ upcycling.

Prof. Dr. Fan Zhang
Guest Editor

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• recycling and upcycling
• CO₂-based materials
• carbon dioxide utilization
• process control
• circular economy
• digital twins
• IT-driven optimization and innovations in recycling and upcycling