The United States is the worst plastic polluter in the world on a per capita basis. It’s failing on the recycling front too, recycling only 5% of its plastics. A recent study published in the journal Green Chemistry on February 3 describes an exciting new approach. This process effectively unravels one of the most widely-used plastics, PET, reconfiguring it into higher value outputs. Scientists have developed a groundbreaking new approach, employing a molybdenum catalyst in conjunction with activated carbon. This modular approach efficiently decomposes PET, which is a promising step toward addressing the global plastic waste crisis.
Under the new Innovation Ring, PET — the most common form of polyester plastic — has historically presented a number of recycling hurdles. To do this, the researchers tapped a silver, ductile metal that serves as an effective molybdenum catalyst when bound to activated carbon. This miraculous combination performs magic when it meets air. Within a mere four hours, it converts PET into terephthalic acid (TPA) and acetaldehyde. TPA Terephthalic acid (TPA) is an important precursor for the production of polyesters. Acetaldehyde is a highly produced industrial chemical.
The research team has certainly obtained incredible results, successfully breaking down 94% of the PET material in just four hours. The 2-D process captures the moisture present in the air, creating a hyper clean, hyper selective environment for decomposition.
"What's particularly exciting about our research is that we harnessed moisture from air to break down the plastics, achieving an exceptionally clean and selective process. By recovering the monomers, which are the basic building blocks of PET, we can recycle or even upcycle them into more valuable materials." – Yosi Kratish
This development couldn’t come at a more critical time, with plastic production booming at record levels. According to the European Environment Agency, over half of all plastic ever produced was made just since 2000. They expect that annual production will at least double by 2050. Even with these surging costs, only 9% of plastics that have ever been made have been recycled.
The researchers’ fiscal model provides a compelling answer by converting waste into resources. The process demonstrates innovative chemistry's potential to address environmental challenges while aligning with nature.
"It's a tangible step toward a cleaner, greener future, and it demonstrates how innovative chemistry can address global challenges in a way that aligns with nature." – Naveen Malik
The study sheds light on the unintended consequences and balance needed to make this process work. Too much water throws off the breakdown balance. The humidity that’s already in the air has just the right qualities to do it.
"It worked perfectly. When we added extra water, it stopped working because it was too much water. It's a fine balance. But it turns out the amount of water in air was just the right amount." – Yosi Kratish
