Work

Reductive depolymerization of polycarbonates and polyesters using alkaline earth catalysts

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This work presents the first methodology for reductive depolymerization of plastic waste promoted by barium and calcium compounds. The commercially available compounds Ba(OTf)₂ and Ca(OTf)₂ were successfully applied in the reductive depolymerization of various polyesters and the polycarbonate PC.BPA, producing the corresponding diols in excellent yields. The reactions were carried out using pinacolborane as the reducing agent under mild conditions. These catalysts maintained excellent activity over several consecutive reductive depolymerization reactions. The use of inexpensive alkaline earth metal catalysts represents a significant advancement in the conversion of plastic waste into value-added diols, which have a wide range of industrial applications.

Source: Polymer Degradation and Stability

DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2025.111456

Authors: Daniel L. Lourenço, Ana C. Fernandes

Institutions: University of Lisbon, Instituto Superior Técnico, Centro de Química Estrutural

Language: English

Topic: biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,190