92. Recent progress in catalyst design for electrocatalytic upcycling of PET to glycolic acid

Xiongbo Wang , Xi Wang , Yuqin Zou , Mingfei Shao, Jinyu Zheng, Haohong Duan^*
SCIENTIA SINICA Chimica，2026
DOI: 10.1360/SSC-2025-0302

Abstract
Ethylene glycol (EG), a primary monomer derived from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), presents a strategic opportunity for value‐added conversion, offering a dual benefit of PET waste valorization and environmental sustainability. Glycolic acid (GA), in particular, has garnered significant interest due to its broad applicability, especially in the synthesis of biodegradable plastics. Electrocatalysis has emerged as an environmentally benign approach for chemical synthesis, leveraging renewable electricity and mild reaction conditions, and has recently shown considerable potential in the upcycling of plastic wastes. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the development of electrocatalysts for the selective oxidation of EG to GA. Emphasis is placed on the synthesis strategies, structural and electronic modulation, deactivation mechanisms, and reaction pathways of a range of metal‐based electrocatalysts, including Pd‐, Au‐, and Pt‐based systems as well as non‐precious metal alternatives. The review concludes with a critical perspective on the existing challenges and promising future research directions in this evolving field.