2020-056
INVENTORS Tobin J. Marks* Yanshan Gao* Yosi Kratish Jiaqi Li
SHORT DESCRIPTION A novel process for the hydrolysis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and recycling of its monomers.
ABSTRACT Polymer-based plastics are among the most widely used synthetic materials. However, their impact on finite natural resources as well as plastic waste accumulation presents worldwide environmental consequences. Thus, there is a rising need for their recycling. Current technologies produce lower grade plastics or side products that are difficult to separate. Northwestern researchers have developed a process for the hydrolysis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) where both the monomer products and catalyst can be separated and reused. This process involves the hydrogenolysis of PET catalyzed by carbon-supported single-site molybdenum-dioxo complex and yields the starting monomers terephthalic acid and ethylene. Additionally, the catalyst can be easily separated and reused at the end of reaction. This processs is effective for both commercial and waste PET and the catalyst exhibits high stability and recyclability. Thus, this novel process offers an efficient and cost-effective method for PET chemical recycling that could have a tremendous impact on sustainably recycling the massive accumulation of plastic waste in the world.
APPLICATIONS
ADVANTAGES
PUBLICATION Kratish, Y, Li, J, Gao, Y, Marks, T (2020) Polyethylene Terephthalate Deconstruction Catalyzed by a Carbon-Supported Single-Site Molybdenum-Dioxo Complex. Angewandte Chemie. 59(45), 19857–19861.
IP STATUS US Non-Provisional Patent pending Published WIPO (PCT) Patent No. WO2021211423A1