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Guo Z, Zhang H, Chen H, Zhang M, Tang X, Wang M, Ma D. Hydrogenating Polyethylene Terephthalate into Degradable Polyesters. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2025; 64:e202418157. [PMID: 39491320 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202418157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2024] [Revised: 10/23/2024] [Accepted: 11/03/2024] [Indexed: 11/05/2024]
Abstract
The recycling and upcycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the most widely used polyester plastic globally, has attracted growing attention concerning its disposal as non-degradable waste in the natural environment. Transforming end-of-life PET into (bio)degradable polyester offers a novel approach to managing its waste. In this study, we introduce a simple process capable of converting waste PET into degradable polyester, polyethylene terephthalate-polyethylene-1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate (PET-PECHD), by partly hydrogenating the aromatic rings (x) into aliphatic ones (y). The polyesters with variable x/y compositions ranging from 100/0 to 0/100 can be achieved, and the molecular weight (Mw) can be maintained when x/y >87/13 due to the nonobvious depolymerization. Pronounced depolymerization would occur with deeper hydrogenation, which generates a blend of PET-PECHD and polyethylene-1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate (PECHD) with lower Mw, and finally a single-type polymer PECHD. The PET-PECHD demonstrates comparable thermal stability and mechanical strength compared to PET, along with superior extensibility, barrier properties, and (bio)degradability in acidic, alkaline solutions, and moist soil. This research highlights the potential for cost-effective, large-scale production of degradable polyester from real-life plastic waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenbo Guo
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Haoran Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Haoyu Chen
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Meiqi Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Tang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ding Ma
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Liu Y, Yan P, Li X, Li Q, Li S, Han H, Chu M, Fu J, Cao M, Xu P, Zhang Q, He L, Chen J. Selective Recycling of Mixed Polyesters via Heterogeneous Photothermal Catalysis. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2025; 37:e2412740. [PMID: 39748634 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202412740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2024] [Revised: 12/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/04/2025]
Abstract
The selective recycling of mixed plastic wastes with similar structural units is challenging. While heterogeneous catalysis shows potential for selective recycling, challenges such as complex mass transfer at multiphase interfaces and unclear catalytic mechanisms have slowed progress. In this study, a breakthrough in recycling mixed polyester wastes is introduced using heterogeneous photothermal catalysis. By adding co-solvents, the difficulties associated with multiphase interfacial mass transfer are overcome. Grain boundary (GB)-rich CeO2 photothermal catalysts are used to selectively glycolyze mixed poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and poly(bisphenol A carbonate) (PC) plastics into bisphenol A (BPA) and bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET), achieving yields of 97.8% and 93.4%, respectively. The high concentration of oxygen vacancies in GB-rich CeO2 catalysts adjusts the adsorption energy of intermediates, leading to more selective and efficient depolymerization compared to GB-poor CeO2 catalysts. The economic and environmental analysis demonstrates that this process, which utilizes heterogeneous photothermal catalysis, provides significant energy savings and carbon reduction, representing a major advancement in mixed plastic waste recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Penglei Yan
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Weinberg 2, 06120, Halle, Germany
| | - Qingye Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Negative Carbon Technologies, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Shengming Li
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Hao Han
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Mingyu Chu
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Jie Fu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Negative Carbon Technologies, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Muhan Cao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Negative Carbon Technologies, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Panpan Xu
- Advanced Materials Division, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Qiao Zhang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Le He
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Negative Carbon Technologies, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Jinxing Chen
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
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Yang S, Li Y, Nie M, Liu X, Wang Q, Chen N, Zhang C. Lifecycle Management for Sustainable Plastics: Recent Progress from Synthesis, Processing to Upcycling. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2404115. [PMID: 38869422 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202404115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Plastics, renowned for their outstanding properties and extensive applications, assume an indispensable and irreplaceable role in modern society. However, the ubiquitous consumption of plastic items has led to a growing accumulation of plastic waste. Unreasonable practices in the production, utilization, and recycling of plastics have led to substantial energy resource depletion and environmental pollution. Herein, the state-of-the-art advancements in the lifecycle management of plastics are timely reviewed. Unlike typical reviews focused on plastic recycling, this work presents an in-depth analysis of the entire lifecycle of plastics, covering the whole process from synthesis, processing, to ultimate disposal. The primary emphasis lies on selecting judicious strategies and methodologies at each lifecycle stage to mitigate the adverse environmental impact of waste plastics. Specifically, the article delineates the rationale, methods, and advancements realized in various lifecycle stages through both physical and chemical recycling pathways. The focal point is the attainment of optimal recycling rates for waste plastics, thereby alleviating the ecological burden of plastic pollution. By scrutinizing the entire lifecycle of plastics, the article aims to furnish comprehensive solutions for reducing plastic pollution and fostering sustainability across all facets of plastic production, utilization, and disposal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangqiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- The Research Department of Resource Carbon Neutrality, Tianfu Yongxing Laboratory, Chengdu, 610213, China
| | - Yijun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- The Research Department of Resource Carbon Neutrality, Tianfu Yongxing Laboratory, Chengdu, 610213, China
| | - Min Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xingang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- The Research Department of Resource Carbon Neutrality, Tianfu Yongxing Laboratory, Chengdu, 610213, China
| | - Ning Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- The Research Department of Resource Carbon Neutrality, Tianfu Yongxing Laboratory, Chengdu, 610213, China
| | - Chuhong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- The Research Department of Resource Carbon Neutrality, Tianfu Yongxing Laboratory, Chengdu, 610213, China
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Shi C, Quinn EC, Diment WT, Chen EYX. Recyclable and (Bio)degradable Polyesters in a Circular Plastics Economy. Chem Rev 2024; 124:4393-4478. [PMID: 38518259 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Polyesters carrying polar main-chain ester linkages exhibit distinct material properties for diverse applications and thus play an important role in today's plastics economy. It is anticipated that they will play an even greater role in tomorrow's circular plastics economy that focuses on sustainability, thanks to the abundant availability of their biosourced building blocks and the presence of the main-chain ester bonds that can be chemically or biologically cleaved on demand by multiple methods and thus bring about more desired end-of-life plastic waste management options. Because of this potential and promise, there have been intense research activities directed at addressing recycling, upcycling or biodegradation of existing legacy polyesters, designing their biorenewable alternatives, and redesigning future polyesters with intrinsic chemical recyclability and tailored performance that can rival today's commodity plastics that are either petroleum based and/or hard to recycle. This review captures these exciting recent developments and outlines future challenges and opportunities. Case studies on the legacy polyesters, poly(lactic acid), poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate)s, poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(butylene succinate), and poly(butylene-adipate terephthalate), are presented, and emerging chemically recyclable polyesters are comprehensively reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changxia Shi
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Ethan C Quinn
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Wilfred T Diment
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Eugene Y-X Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
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Tubio CR, Valle X, Carvalho E, Moreira J, Costa P, Correia DM, Lanceros-Mendez S. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate- co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Blends with Poly(caprolactone) and Poly(lactic acid): A Comparative Study. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4566. [PMID: 38232003 PMCID: PMC10708000 DOI: 10.3390/polym15234566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hidroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a biodegradable polymer, which is a potential substitute for plastics made from fossil resources. Due to its practical interest in the field of tissue engineering, packaging, sensors, and electronic devices, the demand for PHBV with specific thermal, electrical, as well as mechanical requirements is growing. In order to improve these properties, we have developed PHBV blends with two thermoplastic biodegradable polyesters, including poly(caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA). We analysed the effect of these biopolymers on the morphological, wetting, structural, thermal, mechanical, and electrical characteristics of the materials. Further, the biodegradation of the samples in simulated body fluid conditions was evaluated, as well as the antibacterial activity. The results demonstrate that the blending with PCL and PLA leads to films with a dense morphology, increases the hydrophilic character, and induces a reinforcement of the mechanical characteristics with respect to pristine PHBV. In addition, a decrease in dielectric constant and a.c. electrical conductivity was noticed for PHBV/PLA and PHBV/PCL blends compared to neat PHBV polymer. All neat polymers and blends showed antibacterial properties against S. aureus, with more than 40% bacterial reduction, which increased to 72% in the presence of PCL polymer for a blend ratio of 50/50. Thus, it is demonstrated a suitable way to further tailor a variety of functionalities of PHBV for specific applications, by the development of polymer blends with PLA or PCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen R. Tubio
- BCMaterials, Basque Center for Materials, Applications and Nanostructures, UPV/EHU Science Park, 48940 Leioa, Spain; (X.V.); (S.L.-M.)
| | - Xabier Valle
- BCMaterials, Basque Center for Materials, Applications and Nanostructures, UPV/EHU Science Park, 48940 Leioa, Spain; (X.V.); (S.L.-M.)
| | - Estela Carvalho
- Physics Center of Minho and Porto Universities (CF-UM-UP) and LaPMET—Laboratory of Physics for Materials and Emergent Technologies, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (E.C.); (J.M.); (P.C.)
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Joana Moreira
- Physics Center of Minho and Porto Universities (CF-UM-UP) and LaPMET—Laboratory of Physics for Materials and Emergent Technologies, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (E.C.); (J.M.); (P.C.)
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Pedro Costa
- Physics Center of Minho and Porto Universities (CF-UM-UP) and LaPMET—Laboratory of Physics for Materials and Emergent Technologies, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (E.C.); (J.M.); (P.C.)
| | | | - Senentxu Lanceros-Mendez
- BCMaterials, Basque Center for Materials, Applications and Nanostructures, UPV/EHU Science Park, 48940 Leioa, Spain; (X.V.); (S.L.-M.)
- Physics Center of Minho and Porto Universities (CF-UM-UP) and LaPMET—Laboratory of Physics for Materials and Emergent Technologies, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (E.C.); (J.M.); (P.C.)
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
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Yang FT, Chen YM, Rwei SP. Influence of Cross-Linking and Crystalline Morphology on the Shape-Memory Properties of PET/PEN/PCL Copolyesters Using Trimesic Acid and Glycerol. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15092082. [PMID: 37177229 PMCID: PMC10180854 DOI: 10.3390/polym15092082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PCL-based biodegradable shape-memory polymers (SMPs) are limited in strength, which restricts their practical applications. In this study, a series of novel SMPs, composed of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), poly(ethylene naphthalate) (PEN), and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), were synthesized and cross-linked using planar (benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid, BTC) or non-planar (glycerol, GC) cross-linkers via the one-pot method. The influence of different kinds of cross-linkers and hard segments of copolyesters on the thermal properties, crystallization behavior, mechanical properties, shape-memory performance, and degradability was investigated by FT-IR, 1H-NMR, DSC, DMA, TGA, XRD, tensile test, intrinsic viscosity measurement, and in vitro enzymatic degradation test. The results indicate that the tensile strength of the copolyester can be significantly improved from 27.8 to 53.2 MPa by partially replacing PET with PEN while maintaining its shape-memory characteristics. Moreover, a small amount of cross-linking modification leads to higher temperature sensitivity, improved shape recovery rate at third round (Rr(3) = 99.1%), and biodegradability in the cross-linked PET/PEN/PCL shape-memory polymers. By changing the crystallization morphology and cross-linking forms of the material, we have developed a shape-memory polymer with both high strength and a high shape recovery rate, which provides a new strategy for the development of shape-memory materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Ting Yang
- Institute of Organic and Polymeric Materials, National Taipei University of Technology, No. 1, Sec. 3, Chung-Hsiao East Road, Taipei 10608, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ming Chen
- Taiwan Textile Research Institute, No. 6, Chengtian Road, Tucheng Dist., New Taipei City 23674, Taiwan
| | - Syang-Peng Rwei
- Institute of Organic and Polymeric Materials, National Taipei University of Technology, No. 1, Sec. 3, Chung-Hsiao East Road, Taipei 10608, Taiwan
- Research and Development Center of Smart Textile Technology, National Taipei University of Technology, No. 1, Sec. 3, Chung-Hsiao East Road, Taipei 10608, Taiwan
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