Rapid Catalytic Recycling of Poly(ethylene terephthalate): Minimal Hydroxide, Minimal Biomass-Derived Recyclable Cosolvent.

ABSTRACT: The rapid hydrolysis of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) waste using sodium hydroxide, a phase transfer catalyst and furfuryl alcohol is demonstrated in 10 min at 98.5 °C. The cosolvent is biodegradable, available from biomass-based sources and outperforms a range of commonly used protic and polar aprotic cosolvents. Such is the competence of the cosolvent for this purpose that waste is minimized-for the first time minimal hydroxide (2.1 eq.) is employed and the solvent volume is limited to just 3 mL g^-1 PET (of which only 20% by weight is the organic component). It is found that the medium is compatible with phase transfer catalysis and a promoter incorporating aromatic units is superior (at 1 mol% loading) to previously optimal dimethyldialkylammonium halides. The medium can

SUBMITTER: Jain A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12487747 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature