In a major breakthrough that could redefine the fight against plastic pollution, a team of researchers from IIT Bhilai has developed a novel eco-friendly method to recycle polyethylene terephthalate (PET)—the most common plastic used in bottles, textiles, and packaging. The innovation promises to transform waste into valuable raw material while cutting down on energy use and environmental harm.

The research team, comprising Priyank Sinha, Sudipta Paul, Swarup Maity, and Dr. Sanjib Banerjee from the Department of Chemistry, has introduced a nanotechnology-based process that efficiently depolymerizes PET into its core monomer, bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET). Using magnetically recyclable nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) as a catalyst, the method delivers high yield and selectivity under mild conditions—addressing the shortcomings of existing recycling techniques.

Unlike traditional chemical recycling, which is often energy-intensive and polluting, the IIT Bhilai approach minimizes hazardous byproducts and enables the catalyst to be reused multiple times without loss of activity. This scalable pathway could pave the way for closed-loop plastic recycling, where discarded PET is continuously converted back into high-value materials.

Supported by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research–Common Research and Technology Development Hub (DSIR-CRTDH) and IIT Bhilai, the work underscores how green chemistry and nanotechnology can be harnessed to solve real-world environmental challenges.

The study, published in the prestigious journal ACS Environmental Science & Technology, marks a significant milestone in sustainable waste management and opens new doors for combating one of the world’s most pressing ecological crises.

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RDJ/SK/KRV/PJ

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