The C─C Bond‐Centric Mechanism in Electrocatalytic Waste Polyethylene Terephthalate Valorization

Abstract

ABSTRACT Plastics have revolutionized our lives, especially polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics; however, their exponential consumption and inadequate management have exacerbated global plastic pollution. To address this, renewable energy‐driven electrocatalysis offers a sustainable route to upcycle waste PET into value‐added chemicals, simultaneously delivering economic and environmental advantages. This minireview summarizes recent advances in electrocatalytic PET‐derived ethylene glycol (EG) conversion, establishing a framework based on the fate of the C─C bond (cleavage, maintenance, or coupling) to precisely access C 1 (formic acid, formamide, hydroxymethylsulfonate), C 2 (glycolaldehyde, glycolic acid, oxalic acid), and C 3+ (α‐hydroxycarboxylic acid) products. We place particular emphasis on the bond‐centric mechanisms, discussing the decisive factors that govern the reaction pathways and performances. Finally, a forward‐looking perspective is provided to guide future innovations in sustainable PET valorization and circular chemical manufacturing.