Quantitative Electrocatalytic Upcycling of Polyethylene Terephthalate Plastic and Its Oligomer with a Cobalt-Based One-Dimensional Coordination Polymer Having Open Metal Sites along with Coproduction of Hydrogen

Abstract

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the most used polymer, but its natural degradation kinetics is sluggish; therefore, its disposal poses an environmental threat. Here, we demonstrate electrocatalytic PET upcycling with full recyclability with a cobalt containing one-dimensional (1D) coordination polymer as an electrocatalyst that can operate at a low onset potential of 1.27 V vs. RHE, affording terephthalic acid (TPA) in 100% yield and potassium diformate (KDF) with ∼80% selectivity as isolated products, along with the coproduction of hydrogen. The mechanistic analysis, as obtained from systematic studies with PET, its oligomer, and monomer revealed a pathway for a side reaction generating carbonate (CO3 2–) that follows a formate oxidation instead of an oxalate oxidation pathway. The catalytic performance and the mechanistic insight gained from the study, are useful in developing the PET upcycling technologies with maximized formate/KDF production.

Simultaneous upcycling of PET plastic waste and CO2 reduction through Co-electrolysis: a novel approach for integrating CO2 reduction and PET hydrolysate oxidation

“…Hence, researchers have tried to transform EG into other value-added products like formate via electrochemical oxidation under alkaline conditions. 30–34…”

Advancements in catalysis for plastic resource utilization

“…3c). 85 Behera et al utilized a one-dimensional (1D) coordination polymer based on cobalt (Co) as an electrocatalyst, resulting in a 100% yield of terephthalic acid (TPA) and 80% selectivity of potassium dicarboxylate (KDF) at a low starting potential of 1.27 V. 86 Furthermore, besides formic acid, other valuable compounds can also be obtained from waste PET. Yan et al successfully cleaved glycerol from PET waste, yielding lactic and glycolic acids by employing gold (Au) loaded on nickel hydroxide (Fig.…”

Synergistic Activity of the Fe2O3/Al2O3 Catalyst for Hydrogen Production through Pyrolysis-Catalytic Decomposition of Plastics

“…Upcycling of plastics into fuels and chemicals through thermochemical pathways is considered a promising way to valorize plastic wastes. 3 Pyrolysis is an efficient technology that thermally degrades large polymers into small molecules and is a feasible option to convert plastics into value-added products such as gases, liquids, or solids for a wide range of applications. 4 Considering the high H-to-C ratio of polyolefins including PE and polypropylene (PP), recent research efforts have been made to dissociating the C−H bond and at the same time produce high-purity hydrogen and carbon nanotubes (CNTs).…”

“…The situation urges an eco-friendly route for waste plastic management. Upcycling of plastics into fuels and chemicals through thermochemical pathways is considered a promising way to valorize plastic wastes …”