Towards a Cradle-to-Cradle Polyolefin Lifecycle

Arnaud Thevenon*, Ina Vollmer*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Achieving efficient chemical depolymerization of waste polyolefins to monomers remains an unsolved challenge, while it could be an effective means to avoid further waste accumulation in the environment and generate economic benefits. In a recent publication by Conk et al., polyethylene (PE) is converted to propylene, the second most used monomer in the polymer industry. The conversion is achieved via a tandem catalysis approach in which partially unsaturated PE chains react with ethylene to generate propylene with yields as high as 87 %. The study is a first proof of concept showcasing a selective chemical depolymerization of PE to a monomer. Future research is expected to focus on the catalyst optimization, process design, and compatibility with contaminated and multi-polymer waste streams.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere202216163
JournalAngewandte Chemie - International Edition
Volume62
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 16 Jan 2023

Keywords

  • Depolymerization
  • Polyethylene
  • Propylene
  • Recycling
  • Tandem Catalysis

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Towards a Cradle-to-Cradle Polyolefin Lifecycle'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this