Towards a Cradle‐to‐Cradle Polyolefin Lifecycle

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 conve...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Angewandte Chemie Vol. 135; no. 3
Main Authors: Thevenon, Arnaud, Vollmer, Ina
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Weinheim Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 16.01.2023
Subjects:
Catalysis
Catalysts
Chemistry
Depolymerization
Design optimization
Monomers
Polyethylene
Polyethylenes
Polymers
Polyolefins
Propylene
Recycling
Tandem Catalysis
Waste management
Waste streams
ISSN:0044-8249, 1521-3757
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary: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. Selective depolymerization of polyethylene to propylene was achieved by two independent studies using a tandem catalysis approach. By combining a dehydrogenation, an isomerization and an ethenolysis catalyst under an ethylene atmosphere, propylene was the favoured product which could be further used as precursor for polypropylene production.
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ISSN:0044-8249
1521-3757
DOI:10.1002/ange.202216163