Проблема увеличения объема пластиковых отходов становится все более актуальной в связи с ростом производства пластиковых изделий для упаковки, бытовых целей, а также применением полимеров в текстильной промышленности, строительстве, медицине и многих других сферах. Пластиковые предметы занимают значительную долю загрязняющих веществ на суше и море. В ходе данного исследования был проведен анализ полиэтилентерефталата (ПЭТ), полученного из одноразовых бутылок, как потенциальное сырье для производства анодных материалов для литий-ионных аккумуляторов (ЛИА) ввиду его высокого наличия углерода и большого количества эфирных связей [1-3]. Электрохимические исследования указали, что аноды на основе полиэтилентерефталата с модифицированной поверхностью PET-DH обладают выдающимися характеристиками хранения лития. Аноды PET-DH демонстрируют стабильно высокую удельную емкость после многократных циклов зарядки-разрядки, что свидетельствует о перспективности их использования в долговечных ЛИА.

Polyethylene, the largest component of plastic waste, decomposes on heating almost entirely to volatiles rather than to carbon. Here, one post-consumer low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film and one high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottle were converted into disordered carbons by sulfonation-assisted carbonization. Sulfonation raised the carbon residue at 900 °C from 1.21 to 32.63 wt.% for LDPE and from 0.06 to 8.82 wt.% for HDPE. The two carbons are indistinguishable by X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (interlayer spacing 0.365–0.366 nm, crystallite thickness ≈1.4 nm), have the same Raman disorder ratio (1.01–1.02) and retain little sulfur (≤0.51 at.%), but differ in specific surface area (53.7 and 32.5 m² g⁻¹). As lithium-ion anodes, the LDPE- and HDPE-derived carbons deliver 338 and 302 mA h g⁻¹ after 100 cycles at 100 mA g⁻¹, with capacity still rising, and 155 and 130 mA h g⁻¹ at 2 A g⁻¹. The larger first-cycle loss and higher capacity of the LDPE-derived carbon correlate with its larger surface area, consistent with the precursor acting through its response to the sulfonation pretreatment rather than through carbonization. These results are a proof of concept; extension to other and mixed waste streams requires further study.

With the rapid growth of 3D printing technology, the use of thermoplastics has significantly increased. Among them, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is one of the most widely used due to its durability, impact resistance, and ease of processing. However, ABS is a petroleum-based, non-biodegradable plastic, meaning it persists in the environment and poses a significant challenge for waste management. The accumulation of ABS waste, especially from failed or excess 3D-printed parts, contributes to environmental pollution and resource loss. Traditional disposal methods such as landfilling or incineration are not sustainable solutions. These approaches often release harmful emissions and do not recover any material value. As a result, new strategies are needed to reuse and repurpose ABS waste in an eco-friendly and economically viable way. One such approach is upcycling—the process of converting waste into materials with higher value or performance than the original product. This study explores a sustainable method for upcycling waste ABS plastic into carbon materials suitable for use as anodes in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Instead of attempting to reuse ABS in its original polymer form—which can degrade in quality with each recycling cycle—this method transforms the plastic into functional carbon through chemical and thermal processes. The process begins by collecting and crushing ABS waste, mainly from 3D printing. To initiate structural transformation, the material is chemically crosslinked using concentrated sulfuric acid at 120 °C. This step increases thermal stability and helps remove volatile components, preparing the polymer for further heat treatment. After crosslinking, the material is pre-oxidized at 300 °C in air. Pre-oxidation introduces oxygen-containing groups and prevents melting during the final carbonization stage. Next, the pre-treated ABS undergoes carbonization in an inert argon atmosphere at temperatures ranging from 600 to 1100 °C. This process converts the polymer into a disordered carbon structure suitable for lithium-ion storage. Lower carbonization temperatures retain more functional groups, while higher temperatures improve conductivity by creating more ordered structures. The resulting carbon was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD results showed broad diffraction peaks typical of amorphous carbon with expanded interlayer spacing, which facilitates lithium intercalation. Raman spectra revealed the characteristic D and G bands, indicating a mix of disordered and graphitic carbon. SEM images showed a porous surface structure, which is beneficial for electrochemical performance. The carbon derived from ABS was then used to fabricate anode electrodes. It was mixed with a conductive additive and a binder, coated onto a copper foil, and assembled into coin cells with lithium metal as the counter electrode. Electrochemical testing showed a reversible specific capacity of around 200 mAh/g, which is competitive for carbon-based anode materials. Although the initial coulombic efficiency was modest, the performance showed potential for further improvement. Current efforts focus on optimizing synthesis parameters to improve the electrochemical properties, including enhancing the cycling stability and coulombic efficiency. Future work may also explore doping the carbon with heteroatoms such as phosphorus or nitrogen to improve conductivity and capacity. This upcycling method demonstrates an effective way to convert problematic plastic waste into valuable functional materials. It supports the development of more sustainable energy storage systems while addressing plastic pollution. Importantly, this method aligns with the goals of a circular economy—reducing waste, recovering value, and extending the lifecycle of materials. By turning ABS plastic into a useful carbon material for lithium-ion battery anodes, this approach provides both environmental and technological benefits. It diverts plastic waste from landfills and incinerators, reduces dependence on non-renewable resources, and supports the growing demand for energy storage solutions. Moreover, the process is relatively low-cost and scalable, making it a promising candidate for industrial application. In conclusion, this work offers a sustainable and efficient route for managing ABS plastic waste. By upcycling it into carbon materials for lithium-ion batteries, the study contributes to both environmental protection and the advancement of green energy technologies. This dual benefit highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing global challenges related to waste and energy.