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<p>This review provides a focused evaluation of recent advances in the green upcycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste into polymer quantum dots (PQDs), emphasizing strategies that transform discarded plastic into high-value nanomaterials. It systematically examines environmentally friendly approaches for converting PET waste into PQDs and analyzes their impact on the electronic, optical and surface properties that determine performance in environmental and energy applications. The novelty lies in the comparative assessment of upcycling and synthesis pathways, revealing how processing routes control structural and physicochemical features of PQDs. These features directly enhance performance in two key domains: (i) improved fuel cell electrodes through PQD-assisted charge transfer and reactivity, and (ii) advanced membranes with high adsorption capacity for heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Cd, Cr) in aquaculture wastewater. The review also highlights the dual environmental benefit of plastic waste reduction and toxic metal remediation. Furthermore, it discusses how molecular-level control over PQD structure and surface chemistry can optimize electrochemical activity and metal-binding selectivity, advancing both energy conversion and environmental safety. By synthesizing the latest research, this work identifies challenges and future directions, guiding the sustainable design of PET-derived PQDs under green chemistry and circular economy principles.</p>

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PET-Derived Polymer Quantum Dot (PQDs) Membranes for Removing Heavy Metals and Improving Fuel Cells

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月11日

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  • Saeedeh Rastgar,
  • Akram Sadat Naeemi,
  • Monireh Faghani

摘要

This review provides a focused evaluation of recent advances in the green upcycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste into polymer quantum dots (PQDs), emphasizing strategies that transform discarded plastic into high-value nanomaterials. It systematically examines environmentally friendly approaches for converting PET waste into PQDs and analyzes their impact on the electronic, optical and surface properties that determine performance in environmental and energy applications. The novelty lies in the comparative assessment of upcycling and synthesis pathways, revealing how processing routes control structural and physicochemical features of PQDs. These features directly enhance performance in two key domains: (i) improved fuel cell electrodes through PQD-assisted charge transfer and reactivity, and (ii) advanced membranes with high adsorption capacity for heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Cd, Cr) in aquaculture wastewater. The review also highlights the dual environmental benefit of plastic waste reduction and toxic metal remediation. Furthermore, it discusses how molecular-level control over PQD structure and surface chemistry can optimize electrochemical activity and metal-binding selectivity, advancing both energy conversion and environmental safety. By synthesizing the latest research, this work identifies challenges and future directions, guiding the sustainable design of PET-derived PQDs under green chemistry and circular economy principles.