Abstract
Nine {ONO} ligands were prepared and treated with ZnEt2 to form a range of complexes. The resulting complexes were characterised in solution through 1H and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopy, and in the solid state through single-crystal XRD and elemental analysis. Moderate reactivity towards lactide polymerisation was demonstrated, with hydroxyl complexes reaching high conversion in 1-2 minutes at 300: 1: 1. All complexes successfully degraded PLA to methyl lactate and the effect of reaction time, temperature and catalyst loading was explored. Zn(4)2 successfully produced ethyl and n-butyl lactate and was shown to work in ambient conditions, albeit with reduced yield and selectivity. The production of BHET from waste PET was demonstrated with a selection of the most active catalysts. Zn(4)2 was shown to be capable of sequential PLA/PET degradation and to be tolerant of HDPE/PVC contaminants.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 115037 |
| Journal | Catalysis Today |
| Volume | 445 |
| Early online date | 4 Sept 2024 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Feb 2025 |
Data Availability Statement
Data will be made available on request.Funding
We would like to thank the EPSRC for funding via the Catalysis Hub to JS (EP/R027128/1) and for funding for JAS/MDJ/MGD. The University of Bath (JIP) and MC2 are acknowledged for their use of facilities.
| Funders | Funder number |
|---|---|
| University of Bath | |
| JIP | |
| Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council | EP/R027128/1 |
| Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council |
Keywords
- Chemical recycling
- Lactide polymerization
- PET depolymerization
- PLA degradation
- Sequential depolymerization
- Zinc complexes
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Catalysis
- General Chemistry