Abstract: The extensive utilization of alkaline zinc-manganese batteries and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) plastics has resulted in substantial quantities of recyclable waste. Guided by the “resource recycling” principle of green chemistry, this work achieves a waste-treats-waste approach by employing recycled anode materials (Zn/ZnO) from spent zinc-manganese batteries to effectively catalyze PET glycolysis. We have developed a comprehensive laboratory experiment tailored for undergraduate students in chemistry and related disciplines. Battery disassembly enables students to visually examine zinc-manganese battery structures, thereby deepening their understanding of electrochemical power sources. The PET glycolysis process demonstrates the depolymerization of macromolecules, while product identification combines fundamental organic chemistry techniques (melting point determination) with advanced characterization methods (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR)) for structural elucidation. This 8-hour experiment integrates core concepts and practical skills from inorganic, physical, organic, polymer, and analytical chemistry. Featuring straightforward procedures, cost-effective materials, and excellent reaction efficiency (100% PET conversion with 76.5% bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) yield), the experiment not only enhances students’ comprehensive laboratory abilities but also effectively promotes green chemistry education principles.

Key words: Waste Zn-Mn battery recycling, PET glycolysis, Green chemistry education, Comprehensive laboratory experiment, Heterogeneous catalysis