Indian Institute of Technology Indore has made a significant breakthrough in the production of green hydrogen gas on a large scale by utilizing PET waste in water.

This pioneering research not only addresses the global issue of PET-based plastic waste recycling but also contributes to India’s efforts in green hydrogen production under the National Hydrogen Mission.

The developed process offers a simple and effective way to transform PET waste into green hydrogen while producing primary constituents that can be used for PET production. The catalysis research team, led by Prof. Sanjay K. Singh, has successfully produced purified H2 gas (green hydrogen) at a relatively lower temperature of 160 °C.

With an estimated conversion rate of 33 kg of PET waste to 1 kg of hydrogen gas, this breakthrough has the potential to power hydrogen fuel cell cars for 100 km. The team is now focused on further reducing production costs and exploring partnerships with industries to scale up the process. This research, published in ChemCatChem and granted an Indian Patent, highlights the institute’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and the circular economy.