Gavesha Gunasekara
Faculty of Engineering
School of Chemical Engineering
E-mail
Email
Location
Tyree Energy Technology Building
Project summary
My research explores the electrochemical upcycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste into value-added chemicals and clean hydrogen. Through experimental catalyst development and electrochemical testing, the project converts PET-derived ethylene glycol into formate while simultaneously producing hydrogen at the cathode.
The experimental findings are integrated with techno-economic analysis and life-cycle assessment to evaluate process feasibility, environmental impacts, energy requirements, and potential carbon-emission reductions. This combined approach aims to develop a practical and sustainable pathway that links plastic-waste valorisation with renewable hydrogen and chemical production
