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Sulfate Separation by Selective Crystallization with a Bis-iminoguanidinium Ligand
Published on: September 8, 2016
Salting-out effect enables highly selective electrosynthesis of oxalate from plastic waste
Xiao Yang1, Jingtao Zhou2,3, Huifang Ye4
1School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, 224007, P. R. China.
Abstract:
Electrochemical upgrading of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-derived ethylene glycol (EG) into value-added products offers a sustainable route toward a circular economy. However, achieving selective oxidation of EG to oxalate (OA) remains a challenge. Here, we propose an electrolyte engineering strategy that leverages the salting-out effect to achieve a maximum OA selectivity of 86%. By leveraging the low aqueous solubility of Na2C2O4, a Na+-containing alkaline electrolyte triggers the spontaneous precipitation of generated OA, sequestering it from the electrode to avert over-oxidation. This work opens a new paradigm for sustainable and economically viable PET recycling.
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