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A general esterolysis strategy for upcycling waste polyesters into high-value esters

Author

Listed:
  • Minghao Zhang

    (Zhejiang University
    Zhejiang University)

  • Yunkai Yu

    (Zhejiang University
    Zhejiang University)

  • Buxing Han

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Qingqing Mei

    (Zhejiang University
    Zhejiang University
    Zhejiang University)

Abstract

The upcycling of waste polyesters into high-value chemicals offers a sustainable and economically viable solution to the global plastic waste crisis. Herein, we report a general esterolysis strategy for the efficient depolymerization of polyesters to produce high-value ester products, utilizing a broad range of esters, including carboxylates, carbonates, and C/Si/Ti/P-based esters. Using the 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate as a highly effective catalyst, polyethylene terephthalate is selectively converted into dimethyl terephthalate and ethylene carbonate with remarkable yields of 99% and 90%, respectively. Mechanistic studies reveal that methanol, generated in situ via the 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate-catalyzed hydrolysis of dimethyl carbonate, drives the cleavage of C–O ester bonds in polyethylene terephthalate. This strategy demonstrates broad applicability, achieving high conversion efficiencies across various mixed and colored commercial waste polyesters. The energy efficiency and versatility of this approach establish a transformative route to diverse high-value esters, advancing the development of circular plastic economies and sustainable chemistry.

Suggested Citation

  • Minghao Zhang & Yunkai Yu & Buxing Han & Qingqing Mei, 2025. "A general esterolysis strategy for upcycling waste polyesters into high-value esters," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-62916-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62916-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yuantao Peng & Jie Yang & Chenqiang Deng & Jin Deng & Li Shen & Yao Fu, 2023. "Acetolysis of waste polyethylene terephthalate for upcycling and life-cycle assessment study," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-10, December.
    2. Zhiwen Gao & Bing Ma & Shuang Chen & Jingqing Tian & Chen Zhao, 2022. "Converting waste PET plastics into automobile fuels and antifreeze components," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-9, December.
    3. Hua Zhou & Yue Ren & Zhenhua Li & Ming Xu & Ye Wang & Ruixiang Ge & Xianggui Kong & Lirong Zheng & Haohong Duan, 2021. "Electrocatalytic upcycling of polyethylene terephthalate to commodity chemicals and H2 fuel," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-9, December.
    4. Cristina Romera-Castillo & Maria Pinto & Teresa M. Langer & Xosé Antón Álvarez-Salgado & Gerhard J. Herndl, 2018. "Dissolved organic carbon leaching from plastics stimulates microbial activity in the ocean," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 9(1), pages 1-7, December.
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