(201h) Depolymerization of Polyesters by a Binuclear Catalyst for Plastic Recycling

The growing plastic waste crisis and the environmental toll of current recycling processes underscore the urgent need for more sustainable and energy-efficient recycling methods. In this research, we have developed a novel binuclear catalyst that effectively degrades poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and other prevalent plastics. This catalyst, inspired by hydrolase enzymes, leverages Zn-Zn sites to enable plastic depolymerization under comparatively milder conditions, significantly reducing the environmental footprint. Notably, this catalyst works effectively in natural seawater and demonstrates resilience across a broad range of temperatures and pH levels. Moreover, it shows high tolerance to various impurities and can facilitate closed-loop production of bottle-grade PET, offering an efficient solution to the global plastic waste crisis. Our development has the potential to revolutionize waste management strategies and contribute significantly to mitigating the environmental impact of plastic waste.