Researchers Develop Catalyst to Convert PET Waste
A new ruthenium-based catalyst converts ethylene glycol from plastic waste into formate with high efficiency.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Chemistry
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On October 5, 2026, researchers published findings on a catalyst capable of turning ethylene glycol, a component of PET plastic waste, into formate. The process utilizes ruthenium atoms anchored onto nickel oxide nanosheets to facilitate the chemical transformation.
Why it matters
Ethylene glycol is notoriously difficult to isolate and recover from water during traditional recycling processes. This new method provides a more effective pathway for repurposing plastic waste components into useful chemical products.
The catalyst achieved a Faradaic efficiency of 86.37% and maintained stable performance over 12 consecutive 25-hour cycles. Analysis was conducted using a hybrid secondary ion mass spectrometer at the Korea Basic Science Institute.
The players
Korea Basic Science Institute
This government-funded research organization in South Korea focuses on fundamental scientific research and analysis.
Gyeongsang National University
This major public university in South Korea is a prominent center for academic research and higher education.
National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
This institution is a leading research university in Taiwan specializing in engineering and technological advancement.
The details
The research team used a CO2 laser to anchor ruthenium atoms onto nickel oxide nanosheets, creating an interface that stabilizes key intermediates. This structure enables the removal of hydrogen atoms from ethylene glycol and the cleavage of carbon-carbon bonds to produce formate.
Timeline
October 5, 2026: Results were published in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition.
October 22, 2026: The Korea Basic Science Institute announced the development of the catalyst.
The Big Picture
This discovery shifts the trajectory of plastic recycling research by moving away from traditional mechanical methods toward chemical upcycling. It updates the potential for catalytic conversion efficiency established by previous studies published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition.
This development could eventually lead to more efficient and cost-effective plastic recycling systems that produce valuable chemical feedstocks. Improved recovery processes may simplify waste management and reduce the environmental footprint of non-recycled plastic components.
The takeaway
This chemical innovation highlights a potential future where plastic waste is consistently converted into high-value chemical products. Readers interested in sustainability can look forward to future industrial applications of this catalyst technology.
Further reading
For more information on the latest innovations in chemical synthesis, visit the Chemistry section.
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