Catalytic Depolymerization of Polyester Waste via Zinc Oxide-Decorated Silica.

ABSTRACT: The aromatic units in the polyester materials are chemically robust, thermally stable, and widely used as engineering plastics. However, their chemical recycling remains a significant challenge. Herein, a zinc oxide-decorated silica (ZnO/SiO₂) catalyst is reported for the efficient chemical depolymerization of polyester into value-added bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET). The process affords BHET in 92.5% yield and 99% purity, with the yield remaining at 90% even after five cycles and an extended reaction time of 2 h. The strategy leverages surface defects on ZnO/SiO₂ to activate ethylene glycol and polarize ester carbonyls, thereby facilitating ester bond cleavage. A wide range of polyester waste plastics (i.e., mixed plastics, textiles, and packaging materials

SUBMITTER: Cao J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12806222 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature