Overview

• Researchers converted decomposed PET plastic into a CO2 sorbent called BAETA using an aminolysis process with ethylenediamine that creates CO2-binding sites.
• Lab data show BAETA can absorb up to about 0.15 pounds of CO2 per pound of material, operates effectively from room temperature to roughly 150°C, and remains stable up to about 250°C.
• Captured CO2 can be released by heating for material reuse, though BAETA requires higher thermal input than many amine sorbents, raising energy-cost considerations.
• The powdery sorbent can be pelletized for use in units attached to industrial chimneys, with the team seeking investment to scale production to tonne levels for pilot deployments.
• The researchers emphasize sourcing low-quality or highly degraded PET that is unsuitable for recycling, including ocean plastic, which they say could create an economic incentive for cleanup.