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Updated: Feb 6, 2026

Designed for Molecular Recycling: A Lignin-Derived Semi-aromatic Biobased Polymer
Published on: November 30, 2020
Molecular catalyst systems as key enablers for tailored polyesters and polycarbonate recycling concepts
Stefan Westhues1, Jasmine Idel1, Jürgen Klankermayer1
1Institut für Technische und Makromolekulare Chemie, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen, Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
Abstract:
A transition metal catalyst system for the selective catalytic depolymerization of various polyester- and polycarbonate-based materials is presented. The use of a molecular ruthenium catalyst with selected triphos ligands enabled a selective hydrogenolysis of a large diversity of polymeric consumer products, paving the way to innovative and sustainable recycling strategies within a circular economy.
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