Molecular catalyst systems as key enablers for tailored polyesters and polycarbonate recycling concepts.

Westhues, Stefan; Idel, Jasmine; Klankermayer, Jürgen · Sci Adv · 2018

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

A transition metal catalyst system for the selective catalytic depolymerization of various polyester- and polycarbonate-based materials is presented. The use of a molecular ruthenium catalyst with selected triphos ligands enabled a selective hydrogenolysis of a large diversity of polymeric consumer products, paving the way to innovative and sustainable recycling strategies within a circular economy.