Wuhan University's School of Resources and Environmental Sciences has made a groundbreaking achievement in the electrochemical recycling of waste polyester plastics. The research findings were recently published in the prestigious journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition.

Polycarbonate and polyester plastics are widely used in applications such as food packaging, electronic components, and automotive parts, with global production exceeding 80 million metric tons annually. However, due to limited recycling technologies and poor economic returns, most polyester plastics are disposed of through incineration, landfilling, or littering, leading to severe ecological issues like air and soil pollution and microplastic contamination, which pose significant health risks.

To address the technical challenges of recycling polycarbonate and polyester plastics, the research team has developed an innovative electrochemical depolymerization method. This technique allows for the efficient breakdown and value-added recycling of waste polycarbonate, polyester, their blends, and fiber-reinforced composites under mild conditions — at room temperature and without additional acidic or basic agents. This breakthrough offers a novel technological approach and feasible pathway for the green, closed-loop recycling of polymer waste.

Professor Huang Zhiliang is the corresponding author for the study, with postdoctoral researcher Wang Daoxin and master's student Tong Jiayi serving as co-first authors. Wuhan University is the sole institution credited in this research.