Nitrogen doping induced by intrinsic defects of recycled polyethylene terephthalate‐derived carbon nanotubes

The indiscriminate utilization of nondegradable polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-based products has triggered serious environmental pollution that to be resolved vigorously. A simple synthesis N-doped carbon nanotubes from recycled PET (NCNTsr-PET) was developed by a nitric acid-assisted hydrothermal method. Experimental results and theoretical calculations show the intrinsic defects in CNTsr-PET would induce N-doping NH3 generated acid during process, thus producing NCNTsr-PET. life cycle assessment proves method for CNTs using r-PET as source is more environmentally friendly than conventional chemical vapor deposition acetylene source. As typical application, NCNTsr-PET delivered an impressive sodium storage capacity with ultralong lifespan. This work not only provides new route upcycling waste plastics into valuable carbonaceous materials ecofriendly manner, but also reveals basic understanding mechanism materials.