Highly efficient degradation of polyesters and polyethers by decatungstate photocatalysis

Photocatalytic polymer degradation has been recognized as a promising solution to the global disposal of waste plastics. In this work, we revealed that various polyesters and polyethers were efficiently degraded in the presence of a polyoxometalate photocatalyst, specifically, decatungstate ([W₁₀O₃₂]^4-, W10). A catalytic amount of W10 initiated the degradation of various polyesters and polyethers under photo-irradiation with a xenon lamp (λ > 350 nm) using O₂ (1 atm) as the oxidant in acetonitrile or water. Moreover, this system can promote polymer degradation even under sunlight. The degradation efficiency, assessed from the degradation rate (M_w0 - M_w)/M_w0 (%) (where M_w0 is the M_w before the reaction), of W10 was notably higher than those of previously reported photocatalysts such as titanium oxide, other polyoxometalates, organometallic compounds, and organic dyes.