Researchers discovered how to break down plastic using moisture in the air

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1. Most plastic waste, especially polyethylene terephthalate (PET)—which is commonly found in bottles, food containers, and polyester fabrics—doesn’t decompose naturally. While recycling exists, current methods require harsh chemicals, high temperatures, and expensive processes, often downcycling plastic into lower-quality materials instead of fully reusing it.

   The Northwestern team has discovered a way to break down plastic into its original building blocks using a non-toxic, solvent-free process. Their method relies on a molybdenum-based catalyst and activated carbon, which work together to break apart the chemical bonds in PET plastic. The breakthrough, however, is what happens next.

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