Electrocatalytic Valorization of PET Hydrolysates Into High‐Value Chemicals Coupled With Renewable Energy Generation

Why It Matters

The platform couples plastic upcycling with renewable hydrogen and electricity, creating a scalable, circular‑economy solution for PET waste and energy storage markets.

Key Takeaways

• Pt/Ni-BDC catalyst reduces noble metal loading
• Achieves 378.8 mA cm⁻² EG oxidation current
• 90% selectivity to glycolic acid
• Hydrogen evolution at 39.6 mV for 50 mA cm⁻²
• Flow battery delivers 81% efficiency and 3.53 Ah L⁻¹

Pulse Analysis

Electrocatalytic upcycling of PET hydrolysates represents a paradigm shift in plastic waste management. By extracting benzene‑1,4‑dicarboxylate from depolymerized PET and embedding it into a Ni‑based framework, researchers create a support that both stabilizes platinum and enhances ethylene glycol adsorption. This synergy yields unprecedented current densities for glycol oxidation, rivaling conventional petrochemical routes while slashing the amount of precious metal required. The approach aligns with global mandates for greener manufacturing and offers a tangible pathway to transform ubiquitous PET bottles into valuable chemical feedstocks.

Beyond chemical production, the bifunctional Pt/Ni‑BDC electrode excels in the hydrogen evolution reaction, achieving low overpotentials comparable to commercial Pt/C catalysts. When deployed in a membrane‑free electrolyzer, the system continuously converts ethylene glycol to glycolic acid while generating hydrogen at ampere‑scale currents. The resulting glycolic acid can be polymerized into biodegradable polyglycolic acid, closing the loop on plastic lifecycle. This dual‑output configuration addresses two critical challenges simultaneously: reducing reliance on fossil‑derived hydrogen and creating high‑value, biodegradable polymers from waste streams.

The integration of the same catalyst into an open‑loop flow battery further amplifies its impact. The battery simultaneously stores electricity and produces glycolic acid, delivering a discharge capacity of 3.53 Ah L⁻¹ and an energy efficiency of 81%. Such multifunctional platforms could be retrofitted into existing renewable energy infrastructures, providing ancillary revenue streams from chemical sales while stabilizing grid operations. As industries seek carbon‑neutral solutions, this technology showcases how electrocatalysis can bridge the gap between waste valorization, clean hydrogen, and energy storage, positioning it as a cornerstone of the circular economy.