Chlorine Radical Mediated Tandem Dehydrogenation-Oxidation for Upcycling Polyolefins to Functional Wax at Low...

Polyolefins valued for their excellent properties are the highest produced and widely used plastics. However, their chemical stability and massive accumulation arouse severe environmental issues, necessitating urgent resolution of recycling. Current recycling strategies encounter challenges like noble metal catalyst dependence, harsh conditions, sensitivity, poor selectivity, and low-valued products. Here, we report a potentially sustainable and scalable tandem dehydrogenation-oxidation system that operates under mild conditions (120 °C, in air) without precious metals. With 1,1,2-C₂H₃Cl₃ serving as both the solvent and chlorine radical source, polyolefins, and mixed polyethylene wastes can be efficiently converted into α,ω-functional wax under the combined action of H₂O₂ and phase-transfer catalyst (CP)₃PW₄O₁₆ with >95% carbon utilization efficiency. The process is tolerant to water, oxygen, and common plastic additives, eliminating pre‑purification. This work offers an economically promising and potentially scalable pathway for polyolefin waste upcycling.