A team of Korean scientists from the Institute for Basic Science has developed a groundbreaking technology that converts plastic waste into clean hydrogen fuel using sunlight and water. Led by Professor KIM Dae-Hyeong and Professor HYEON Taeghwan, the researchers created a photocatalytic system that efficiently produces hydrogen from PET bottles by stabilizing the catalyst within a hydrogel polymer. This innovation addresses the challenges of traditional hydrogen production methods by utilizing sunlight and maintaining stability under various environmental conditions. The system breaks down plastics into beneficial byproducts while releasing clean hydrogen into the air, showcasing a sustainable approach to upcycling plastic waste. Demonstrating stability over two months and compatibility with diverse water environments, including seawater, the floatable catalyst system holds promise for scalable and cost-effective hydrogen production. The successful outdoor tests and economic simulations suggest the technology's potential for large-scale implementation, contributing to a carbon-free energy transition. Professors KIM and HYEON emphasize the significance of this research in transforming plastic waste into a valuable energy source, highlighting its dual impact on environmental preservation and clean energy advancement. The study's practicality and reliability in real-world settings distinguish it as a key advancement towards achieving a hydrogen-powered, carbon-neutral society.