Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic upcycling typically features two-step processes involving cascade depolymerization and functionalization to mixed products. Here, we realize the direct hydrogenolysis of PET over a Co@CoO heterogeneous catalyst, with high yield of either p-xylene (PX, >97 %) or 1,4-dimethylcyclohexane (1,4-DMC, >90 %). Pyrolysis of Co-MOF-71 yields carbon-supported Co nanoparticles partially encapsulated by CoO, whose metal/oxide interface facilitates hydrogen spillover. Experimental and computational investigations reveal Coδ+ atoms proximate to CoO particles selectively catalyze carboxylate C–O bond cleavage at 250 °C and 1 MPa H2 to yield PX. In contrast, hydrogen spillover from Co metal to CoO sites at 280 °C and 3 MPa H2 promotes selective ring hydrogenation to 1,4-DMC. Co/CoO-800 has excellent stability and efficacy for depolymerizing commercial PET plastics. Life cycle assessment indicates the PET-to-PX process offers negative CO2 emissions and outperforms fossil-fuel PX production. Direct hydrogenolysis over Earth-abundant catalysts offers a simple strategy for polyester waste upcycling. Turning PET plastic waste into useful chemicals usually takes several steps and makes mixtures. This study uses a cobalt catalyst to directly convert PET into high yields of two valuable products, with good stability and lower emissions.
Wang et al. (2026) studied this question.