Selective and Sequential Catalytic Chemical Depolymerization and Upcycling of Mixed Plastics

Selective and Sequential Catalytic Chemical Depolymerization and Upcycling of Mixed Plastics

2024 | Adam J. Spicer, Arianna Brandolese, and Andrew P. Dove
A selective and sequential catalytic chemical depolymerization and upcycling method for mixed plastics is reported. The study focuses on poly(lactic acid) (PLA), bisphenol A polycarbonate (BPA-PC), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), using inexpensive metal salt/organobase dual catalysts. The method enables selective depolymerization of mixed plastics without presorting, allowing for the upcycling of polymers to value-added monomers. The process involves sequential steps, with different catalysts and temperatures used to achieve selectivity. For example, MgCl₂ at 150 °C was used for PLA depolymerization, MgCl₂/imidazole at 150 °C for BPA-PC, and Zn(OAc)₂/DMAP at 180 °C for PET. The method was tested with a continuous process, achieving high conversion rates and minimal contamination. Alternative nucleophiles, such as 1-hexanol and trimethylolpropane allyl ether diol (TMPAE), were also explored for upcycling. The results show that the method can effectively separate and recycle mixed plastics, offering a sustainable solution for plastic waste management. The study highlights the potential of selective chemical recycling to enhance the circular economy by reducing waste and enabling the recovery of valuable materials.A selective and sequential catalytic chemical depolymerization and upcycling method for mixed plastics is reported. The study focuses on poly(lactic acid) (PLA), bisphenol A polycarbonate (BPA-PC), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), using inexpensive metal salt/organobase dual catalysts. The method enables selective depolymerization of mixed plastics without presorting, allowing for the upcycling of polymers to value-added monomers. The process involves sequential steps, with different catalysts and temperatures used to achieve selectivity. For example, MgCl₂ at 150 °C was used for PLA depolymerization, MgCl₂/imidazole at 150 °C for BPA-PC, and Zn(OAc)₂/DMAP at 180 °C for PET. The method was tested with a continuous process, achieving high conversion rates and minimal contamination. Alternative nucleophiles, such as 1-hexanol and trimethylolpropane allyl ether diol (TMPAE), were also explored for upcycling. The results show that the method can effectively separate and recycle mixed plastics, offering a sustainable solution for plastic waste management. The study highlights the potential of selective chemical recycling to enhance the circular economy by reducing waste and enabling the recovery of valuable materials.
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[slides and audio] Selective and Sequential Catalytic Chemical Depolymerization and Upcycling of Mixed Plastics