Electrocatalytic Reforming of Real PET Waste Plastic to Value-added Chemicals: Mechanisms, Coupling Technologies, and Cascade Systems

Abstract

With the continuous development of the plastic industry, the growing accumulation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste plastic has led to severe direct environmental pollution and secondary contamination. In recent years, electrocatalytic reforming of PET waste plastic has gained significant attention due to its availability of renewable energy source, mild reaction conditions, green reaction products, and high economic value, which can enable the reintegration of waste plastic into the circular economy. This review comprehensively summarizes the entire electrocatalytic reforming process of real PET waste plastic, including the pretreatment technique, conversion mechanism and economic analysis of products. Furthermore, the catalytic performance, economic potential and environmental effect of PET waste plastic electrocatalytic reforming coupled with cathode half-reaction technologies are systematically evaluated. Additionally, the new cascade technology for the reforming of PET waste plastic is reviewed detailly, such as photo-electrocatalysis, thermo-electrocatalysis and enzymatic-electrocatalysis technology. Finally, the design of the catalyst for the electrocatalytic reforming system of PET waste plastic, the optimization of reaction conditions, and the outlook for industrial production aim to achieve the large-scale transformation of real PET waste plastic into green energy resources.