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Mechanochemically accelerated deconstruction of chemically recyclable plastics.

Authors :
Mutian Hua
Zhengxing Peng
Guha, Rishabh D.
Xiaoxu Ruan
Ka Chon Ng
Demarteau, Jeremy
Haber, Shira
Fricke, Sophia N.
Reimer, Jeffrey A.
Salmeron, Miquel B.
Persson, Kristin A.
Cheng Wang
Helms, Brett A.
Source :
Science Advances. 9/20/2024, Vol. 10 Issue 38, p1-10. 10p.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Plastics redesign for circularity has primarily focused on monomer chemistries enabling faster deconstruction rates concomitant with high monomer yields. Yet, during deconstruction, polymer chains interact with their reaction medium, which remains underexplored in polymer reactivity. Here, we show that, when plastics are deconstructed in reaction media that promote swelling, initial rates are accelerated by over sixfold beyond those in small-molecule analogs. This unexpected acceleration is primarily tied to mechanochemical activation of strained polymer chains; however, changes in the activity of water under polymer confinement and bond activation in solvent-separated ion pairs are also important. Together, deconstruction times can be shortened by seven times by codesigning plastics and their deconstruction processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
23752548
Volume :
10
Issue :
38
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Science Advances
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
179919481
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adq3801