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The C─C Bond‐Centric Mechanism in Electrocatalytic Waste Polyethylene Terephthalate Valorization
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Researchers reviewed how electrocatalysis powered by renewable energy can convert waste PET plastic into valuable chemicals by selectively breaking, preserving, or coupling the C–C bonds in the ethylene glycol component, offering a framework for steering products toward formic acid, glycolic acid, or longer-chain molecules.
ABSTRACT Plastics have revolutionized our lives, especially polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics; however, their exponential consumption and inadequate management have exacerbated global plastic pollution. To address this, renewable energy‐driven electrocatalysis offers a sustainable route to upcycle waste PET into value‐added chemicals, simultaneously delivering economic and environmental advantages. This minireview summarizes recent advances in electrocatalytic PET‐derived ethylene glycol (EG) conversion, establishing a framework based on the fate of the C─C bond (cleavage, maintenance, or coupling) to precisely access C 1 (formic acid, formamide, hydroxymethylsulfonate), C 2 (glycolaldehyde, glycolic acid, oxalic acid), and C 3+ (α‐hydroxycarboxylic acid) products. We place particular emphasis on the bond‐centric mechanisms, discussing the decisive factors that govern the reaction pathways and performances. Finally, a forward‐looking perspective is provided to guide future innovations in sustainable PET valorization and circular chemical manufacturing.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.