Researchers have created a new environmentally friendly way to recycle plastic using moisture from the air.
Scientists have proposed an environmentally friendly method for breaking down PET plastic, which is widely used in the production of bottles and packaging. Interesting Engineering writes about this.
The new method is based on a catalyst made of molybdenum and activated carbon, which helps break down polymer bonds. The key feature of the method is the use of air humidity to convert fragmented plastic into useful monomers that can be used in industry.
“Using air humidity allows us to abandon bulky solvents, reduce energy consumption and avoid the use of aggressive chemicals, which makes the process cleaner and more environmentally friendly,” explains Naveen Malik, lead author of the study.
The results of the study:
- PET is converted into terephthalic acid, which is the main building block of plastics.
- The only by-product is acetaldehyde, which can be used in industry.
- The absence of toxic chemicals and minimal energy consumption make this method cleaner than traditional plastic recycling methods.
PET plastic hardly decomposes in nature, forming micro- and nanoplastics that pollute water and harm ecosystems. The new method could be a breakthrough in the fight against plastic pollution and change the approach to waste recycling.