University Chemistry ›› 2024, Vol. 39 ›› Issue (3): 308-315.doi: 10.3866/PKU.DXHX202309003

• Chemistry Laboratory • Previous Articles     Next Articles

New Experiment Development: Upgrading and Regeneration of Discarded PET Plastic through Electrocatalysis

Tongtong Zhao1, Yan Wang1, Shiyue Qin2, Liang Xu3,*(), Zhenhua Li1,*()   

  1. 1 College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
    2 College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
    3 College of Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
  • Received:2023-09-01 Accepted:2023-10-24 Published:2023-11-14
  • Contact: Liang Xu, Zhenhua Li E-mail:2023700003@buct.edu.cn;LZH0307@mail.buct.edu.cn

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Abstract:

This experiment designs a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic electrocatalysis upgrading and regeneration strategy driven by renewable energy, converting discarded PET plastic into high-value-added chemicals such as terephthalic acid and potassium formate, while simultaneously co-producing hydrogen (H2). The specific experimental process includes firstly degrading PET plastic into terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol monomer through hydrothermal method, then selectively electrocatalyzing the oxidation of ethylene glycol to formate using a self-made hydrotalcite catalyst (layered double hydroxide, LDH) while co-producing H2 at the cathode, and finally obtaining potassium formate and terephthalic acid products through separation and purification steps such as acidification, vacuum filtration, rotary evaporation, and vacuum drying. This experiment is a typical case of introducing research results into teaching, providing new ideas for the green upgrading and regeneration of discarded PET plastic resources, and promoting students' scientific thinking ability and interest in scientific research.

Key words: Electrocatalysis, PET plastic, Formate, Hydrogen, Layered double hydroxides