Binary nonmetal boron and phosphorus co-doping into PdRh nanosheets boosts electro‑upgrading polyethylene terephthalate

The upcycling of plastic waste through electrochemistry has garnered significant interest. In this study, we present a two-step strategy for synthesizing boron (B) and phosphorus (P) co-doped quaternary PdRhBP nanosheets (PdRhBP NSs) aimed at converting polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic hydrolysate (ethylene glycol) into high-value-added chemicals. The electrocatalytic performance of PdRhBP NSs for ethylene glycol (EG) oxidation surpasses that of PdRh NSs and commercial Pd black. Notably, the highest contents of glycolic acid (GA) and formate are observed at a voltage of 0.755 V. This can be attributed to the two-dimensional structural advantages of PdRhBP NSs and the synergistic effect of B and P, optimizing the electronic configuration of Pd. This study not only proposes a double-doping strategy for designing efficient electrochemical conversion catalysts but also presents a green and sustainable approach for upgrading and utilizing plastic waste.