JACS Au· 2026Q1
Internal Dimethyl Carbonate Circulation-Promoted Synergistic Co-Recycling of Polycarbonates and Polyesters in Methanol
- 0citations
- Q1SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
A novel method co-recycles mixed polycarbonate (PC) and polyester plastics into their monomers using methanol under mild conditions (120°C) by creating an internal dimethyl carbonate (DMC) circulation.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Key points
- Co-recycles polycarbonate (PC) and polyester mixtures into monomers using methanol at 120°C.
- Polycarbonate is first methanolized to generate dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and diol.
- The generated DMC then degrades polyester into dimethyl ester and carbonate.
- An internal DMC circulation is formed as carbonate is converted back to DMC, enabling high monomer yields.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
Abstract Co-recycling of mixed plastic streams offers a viable opportunity to manage spent plastic mixtures and realize a circular economy. Herein, we present an internal dimethyl carbonate (DMC) circulation-promoted co-recycling of polycarbonate (PC) and polyester mixture into their monomers in methanol under mild conditions (e.g., 120 °C). In this protocol, PC is first methanolized to generate DMC and diol under the catalysis of ionic liquids (e.g., 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIm][Cl])), and the resultant DMC participates in the subsequent degradation of polyester over the same catalyst, yielding dimethyl ester and carbonate. Furthermore, the generated carbonate is quickly converted into DMC under the experimental conditions, thus forming an internal DMC circulation. This strategy can be employed in handling mixtures of PC and polyester with various ratios using methanol, affording corresponding monomers in high yields. It provides an innovative perspective that accelerates the development of co-recycling technology for mixed plastic wastes.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. JACS Au, 2026 · DOI ↗
Continue with a free account
Ask the paper: 3 free questions a day about this paper; save it, get its citation, new summaries every day for your field. Takeaways are Premium.
Continue free on the webSign in with Google or Apple; no card needed. You come back to this paper.
On your phone:
Field: Polymers and Plastics
Polymers and PlasticsMaterials Science