Soongsil University professor develops magnetic nanocatalyst that fully decomposes PET and is recoverable by magnet

A research team from Soongsil University's Department of Materials Science and Engineering, led by Professor Kim Byung-hyo, has announced the development of an inorganic-organic hybrid magnetic nanocatalyst. This novel catalyst efficiently decomposes waste PET (polyethylene terephthalate) at low temperatures and can be easily recovered using a magnet.

The developed catalyst, named 'ZnFe₂O₄@citrate,' addresses limitations of existing PET recycling methods. Traditional catalysts often face challenges with recovery, leading to environmental burdens, or require high temperatures and long reaction times. While some existing nanocatalysts offer higher activity, their complex recovery processes hinder practical application.

In laboratory tests, the new catalyst achieved 100% PET decomposition within two hours at 180°C, yielding a high BHET (bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate) rate of 94.1%. Crucially, the catalyst can be easily separated from the reaction mixture using a magnet. Furthermore, it maintained over 87% yield even after eight repeated uses, demonstrating significant reusability.

This breakthrough offers a more efficient and economical approach to PET chemical recycling. By enabling effective decomposition at lower temperatures and simplifying catalyst recovery and reuse, the technology is expected to contribute significantly to sustainable plastic waste management.