Abstract:As the plastic pollution problem intensifies, the recycling and reuse of waste plastics have become global concerns. Converting waste plastics into high-quality liquid fuels is significant for carbon resource recycling and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, especially in the context of China′s goals to achieve "carbon peak" and "carbon neutrality". This review summarizes the technologies for converting waste plastics into liquid fuels, with a focus on the latest advances in catalytic pyrolysis, microwave pyrolysis, and photocatalytic depolymerization. The article explores how key parameters affect product selectivity and compares the commonalities and differences among the three technologies in regulating liquid products: Catalytic pyrolysis relies on catalyst properties, microwave pyrolysis utilizes thermal and non-thermal effects, and photocatalytic depolymerization uses light energy to activate catalysts. These technologies provide multiple pathways for the high-value utilization of plastics. Additionally, the article discusses the challenges and opportunities faced by targeted depolymerization technologies for waste plastics in liquid fuel production and provides a forward-looking perspective on future development trends. Close-