MUMBAI, India, Aug. 31 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202611082261 A) filed by Indian Institute Of Technology Roorkee; and Enrgenv Smart Chemicals And Materials Pvt. Ltd. on July 03, 2026, for Utilization Of Spent Aa/Aaa Batteries For Catalytic Depolymerization Of Waste Polyethylene Terephthalate.
Inventors include Mr. Dibyajyoti Arukha; and Prof. Paritosh Mohanty.
The application for the patent was published on August 28, 2026, under issue no. 35/2026.
Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for depolymerization of waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) utilizing electrode materials recovered from spent AA and/or AAA batteries as catalysts. Spent AA/AAA battery electrode materials are separated, washed, dried, and processed into catalyst particles. Waste PET is mixed with the catalyst and subjected to thermal treatment at temperatures ranging from 100°C to 400°C, resulting in depolymerization of PET into terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG). The depolymerized products are recovered through alkaline dissolution, catalyst separation, acid precipitation, and liquid-phase recovery steps. The catalyst materials are subsequently purified to obtain high-purity metal compounds including zinc oxide, manganese oxide, sulfides, carbonates, and related derivatives. The process simultaneously addresses plastic waste and battery waste while generating valuable chemical feedstocks and industrial raw materials. The invention provides an environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and circular-economy-based waste-to-wealth approach.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
