Selective electro-reforming of waste polyethylene terephthalate-derived ethylene glycol into C2 chemicals with long-term stability?

Green Chemistry Pub Date: 2023-07-13 DOI: 10.1039/D3GC01486J

Abstract

Electro-oxidation of ethylene glycol (EG) derived from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into value-added C2 products is essential for the electro-reforming of waste PET. However, achieving high selectivity and stability in the EG oxidation reaction (EGOR) remains a significant challenge. Herein, we successfully fabricated segregation-less Pd1Ag1 alloy nanoparticles (NPs) that can be used for the electro-reforming of waste PET into glycolate C2 products with high selectivity (97%) and long-term stability (>500 h). Electrochemical measurements and in situ Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results reveal that the addition of Ag atoms improves glycolate selectivity by reducing its adsorption on Pd active sites. In addition, the surface *OH species generated on Ag sites facilitate the rapid oxidation of toxic carbonyl species, thereby improving the stability of Pd sites. Therefore, the synergistic effects of Pd1Ag1 NPs provide an effective way for practical electro-reforming of real-world waste PET into value-added products with high selectivity and stability.

Graphical abstract: Selective electro-reforming of waste polyethylene terephthalate-derived ethylene glycol into C2 chemicals with long-term stability
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