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Updated: May 20, 2025

Designed for Molecular Recycling: A Lignin-Derived Semi-aromatic Biobased Polymer
Published on: November 30, 2020
Imino-Pyrrole Zn(II) Complexes for the Rapid and Selective Chemical Recycling of Commodity Polymers
Jack A Stewart1, Louis T W Powell1, Matthew J Cullen1,2
1Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
Abstract:
Three imino-pyrrole zinc complexes were prepared and applied to the rapid degradation of polylactic acid (PLA) and the depolymerization of bisphenol A polycarbonate (BPA-PC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PLA alcoholysis proceeded rapidly at a range of conditions, including reflux in air. Remarkable activity was demonstrated for the solvent-free methanolysis of PLA at mild conditions with full conversion reached in 11 min at 80 °C. Various conditions were investigated including a range of PLA sources and, importantly, catalyst recycling was demonstrated. The methanolysis of BPA-PC and the glycolysis of PET were achieved, the latter giving full conversion after 1.5 h for all catalysts. The chemical recycling of mixed plastic feedstocks was investigated, including the selective and sequential degradation of a PLA/BPA-PC mixture with a single catalyst and solvent.
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