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Depolymerizable Olefinic Polymers Based on Fused-Ring Cyclooctene Monomers

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Selective Sequential Depolymerization of Mixed Plastics Mediated by Photothermal Conversion.

Yoon-Jung Jang¹, Angela Milo¹, Deepika Shingwekar¹

¹Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA.

Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)

|July 13, 2026

Summary

This study introduces a novel photothermal method for the selective, sequential chemical recycling of mixed plastics like poly(L-lactide), polystyrene, and poly(ethylene terephthalate) into their monomers in a single pot, advancing circular economy goals.

Keywords:

carbon black chemical recycling photothermal depolymerization poly(ethylene terephthalate)polylactide polystyrene

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Area of Science:

Polymer Chemistry
Materials Science
Sustainable Chemistry

Background:

Chemical recycling of plastics is crucial for a circular economy.
Selective depolymerization of mixed plastics remains a significant challenge.
Existing methods often require complex separation or purification steps.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a selective and sequential chemical recycling strategy for mixed plastics.
To utilize photothermal conversion for efficient plastic depolymerization.
To demonstrate the applicability of the method to post-consumer plastic waste.

Main Methods:

A one-pot, sequential depolymerization process using photothermal conversion.
Selective targeting of poly(L-lactide) (PLLA), polystyrene (PS), and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET).
No intermediate purification steps required for unreacted plastics.

Main Results:

Successfully achieved selective depolymerization of PLLA to L-lactide in the presence of PS and PET.
Subsequently depolymerized PS to styrene, followed by PET monomer recovery.
Demonstrated the method's effectiveness on mixed post-consumer plastic waste.

Conclusions:

The photothermal strategy enables efficient and selective chemical recycling of mixed plastics.
This one-pot approach simplifies the recycling process and reduces waste.
The method holds significant potential for advancing plastic circular economy initiatives.