Chemists Innovate Technique to Transform Plastics into Advanced Materials

Researchers at the University of Florida have unveiled a groundbreaking technique that converts common plastics into highly porous materials. This innovative approach, detailed in the journal ACS Central Science on November 4, 2025, has potential applications across various industries, including electronics, water filtration, and battery manufacturing.

The method relies on a concept described by Dr. Brent Sumerlin, a professor of chemistry at the university, as “addition-by-subtraction.” Instead of adding materials, the team focuses on the removal process, similar to how a sculptor carves a statue from stone. By creating pores within the plastic, they can produce materials that meet the growing demand for advanced applications.

These porous structures are particularly sought after in battery technology and water purification. The research team demonstrated that a sample weighing just one gram could encompass the surface area equivalent to that of a full-sized tennis court. This significant surface area enhances the material’s effectiveness in various applications, including as a high-performance membrane critical for battery efficiency.

The breakthrough stems from Dr. Sumerlin’s earlier research on breaking down plastics, which is essential for improving recycling processes. By exploring different breakdown temperatures for various plastics, the team discovered a method to synthesize new materials. In their experiments, they successfully combined the building blocks of Plexiglass and Styrofoam—materials that typically resist blending. By heating them to the optimal temperature, the Plexiglass components evaporated while polystyrene remained, resulting in trillions of minuscule pores smaller than a virus.

Dr. Sumerlin emphasized the implications of this research for multiple sectors. “It’s like having a very small mesh in a screen, which is potentially good for purifying wastewater,” he noted. This technique not only offers a novel way to create essential materials but also highlights how fundamental research can lead to practical solutions in entirely different fields.

The potential for this technique to facilitate the separation of materials could revolutionize processes across various industries. As the world grapples with efficient recycling and sustainable materials, the findings from the University of Florida may provide a much-needed solution.

Dr. Sumerlin and his team are pursuing patent protection for their innovative technique, signaling the commercial relevance of their research. The ability to craft porous filters from everyday plastics could pave the way for advancements in sustainability and manufacturing processes.

More detailed findings can be found in the publication by Kaden C. Stevens and colleagues in ACS Central Science (DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.5c01313). This research underscores the intersection of basic science and its transformative potential for practical applications, reinforcing the importance of innovation in addressing global challenges.