Catalytic depolymerization of polyethylene terephthalate in hot compressed water

► Depolymerization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in hot compressed water (HCW) is catalyzed by zinc acetate. ► Fused silica capillary reactor (FSCR) is a new reactor for studying the phase behavior of PET in HCW. ► FSCR-based method is visually accessible, low in energy demand, safe, repeatable and efficient. ► Temperature of PET dissolution to form a homogeneous solution in water is decreased by zinc acetate.