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From Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Waste to High-Value Chemicals and Materials: A Zero-Waste Technology Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Maciej Kapkowski

    (Centre for Materials and Drug Discovery, Institute of Chemistry, University of Silesia, Szkolna 9, 40-006 Katowice, Poland)

  • Sonia Kotowicz

    (Centre for Materials and Drug Discovery, Institute of Chemistry, University of Silesia, Szkolna 9, 40-006 Katowice, Poland)

  • Karina Kocot

    (Centre for Materials and Drug Discovery, Institute of Chemistry, University of Silesia, Szkolna 9, 40-006 Katowice, Poland)

  • Mateusz Korzec

    (Centre for Materials and Drug Discovery, Institute of Chemistry, University of Silesia, Szkolna 9, 40-006 Katowice, Poland)

  • Jerzy Kubacki

    (Institute of Physics, University of Silesia, 75 Pułku Piechoty 1A, 41-500 Chorzów, Poland)

  • Maciej Zubko

    (Institute of Materials Engineering, University of Silesia, 75 Pułku Piechoty 1A, 41-500 Chorzów, Poland
    Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Králové, Rokitanského 62, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic)

  • Krzysztof Aniołek

    (Institute of Materials Engineering, University of Silesia, 75 Pułku Piechoty 1A, 41-500 Chorzów, Poland)

  • Urszula Siudyga

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poniatowskiego 15, 40-055 Katowice, Poland)

  • Tomasz Siudyga

    (Centre for Materials and Drug Discovery, Institute of Chemistry, University of Silesia, Szkolna 9, 40-006 Katowice, Poland)

  • Jaroslaw Polanski

    (Centre for Materials and Drug Discovery, Institute of Chemistry, University of Silesia, Szkolna 9, 40-006 Katowice, Poland)

Abstract

The presence of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) in the environment is a global problem due to soil and water microplastic contamination. There is a constant demand for new technologies that expand the possibilities of PET disposal or recycling while reducing energy consumption and anthropogenic carbon footprint. In this study, we developed a comprehensive zero-waste management system for PET recycling (rPET) to cyclic ketals and terephthalic acid. The developed method is based on the hydrolysis of rPET flakes in an inert environment with the separation and purification of terephthalic acid and the dehydration of ethylene glycol. For the first time, we present the use of cheap and readily available Cr/SiO 2 and Fe/SiO 2 nanocatalysts for direct acetalization of ethylene glycol without organic co-solvents. The catalysts were characterized by EDXRF, XPS and TEM techniques. The 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane (DMD), a product of ethylene glycol’s direct acetalization with acetone, was tested as a solvent for polymers with satisfactory results in the solubility of epoxy resins. The addition of unpurified terephthalic acid and residues constituting post-production waste to concrete allows for a reduction in the mass of concrete in the range of 11.3–23.4% and the material modified in this way allows for a reduction in concrete consumption. This rPET waste management methodology is consistent with the assumptions of the circular economy and allows for a significant reduction of anthropogenic CO 2 emissions.

Suggested Citation

  • Maciej Kapkowski & Sonia Kotowicz & Karina Kocot & Mateusz Korzec & Jerzy Kubacki & Maciej Zubko & Krzysztof Aniołek & Urszula Siudyga & Tomasz Siudyga & Jaroslaw Polanski, 2025. "From Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Waste to High-Value Chemicals and Materials: A Zero-Waste Technology Approach," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-22, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:16:p:4375-:d:1726153
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