Scientists Turn Used Water Bottles into Powerful Energy Devices
Every year, over 500 billion plastic water bottles are produced worldwide, with most being used only once before disposal.
Researchers, led by Professor Yun Hang Hu, have found a way to transform old bottles into high-performance supercapacitors, which can store and release energy efficiently.
The research, published in Energy & Fuels, developed new heat-based techniques to upcycle plastic bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into key components for an all-plastic supercapacitor.
The upcycled device performed as well—or even slightly better—than similar supercapacitors made with traditional materials.
Author's summary: Scientists transform plastic bottles into supercapacitors.