Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste in electrochemical applications

Plastic pollution remains a critical challenge, requiring advanced recycling solutions to transform waste into valuable materials. The European Commission’s Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) promotes sustainable product design, resource retention, and plastic waste prevention to reduce environmental impact and drive innovation. Among plastics, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) holds significant potential for upcycling into high-performance materials, particularly for electrochemical applications like supercapacitor, battery, fuel cell, CO 2 reduction, and sensors. This review explores PET waste recyclability, emphasizing its conversion into energy-related materials while addressing key challenges such as inefficient recycling systems, environmental pollution, and technological limitations. Furthermore, it highlights emerging solutions and innovative strategies to enhance PET’s sustainable utilization, aligning with circular economy principles. Use of PET waste in various electrochemical applications