Eco‐Friendly Self‐Adaptive Catalytic Strategy for Plastics Lifecycles: Achieving Green Preparation, Superior Flame Retardancy, and Self‐Driven Sustainability DOI
Yanan Wu, Haibo Zhao, Ming‐Jun Chen

et al.

Advanced Functional Materials, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Dec. 2, 2024

Abstract Semi‐rigid polyurethane foams (SPUF) with high deformation resistance and strength are indispensable for cushioning applications. However, fire risk cascaded pollutant effects, overused multifarious additives foam wastes exacerbate global environmental concerns. One option to address this issue is develop eco‐friendly multifunctional flame retardants that participate in the material lifecycles of preparation, safe service, waste management, sustainable recycling. Herein, a novel self‐adaptive catalytic strategy reported exploits temperature agent structure‐responsive ability sodium propionate (SP), reconciling often‐conflicting properties fabrication recycling while effectively mitigating combustion risks additive pollution. The adaptive function SP impressively involves all aspects life cycles: 1) catalyzing foaming without complex/hazardous catalysts; 2) providing superior flame‐retardant efficiency limiting oxygen index 25.5% relying on traditional retardants; 3) promoting situ network fragmentation reorganization into strong adhesives (5.8 MPa); 4) further newly formed self‐driven manner. A green presented addresses hazards, plastic pollution, unsustainability recycling, minimizing ecological foam, which will positively impact future design involving diverse additives.

Language: Английский

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Can Advance Plastic Sustainability and Circular Economy DOI Creative Commons
Mehran Ghasemlou

ACS Sustainable Resource Management, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 27, 2025

Language: Английский

Citations

2
Characterization of Inorganic Additives in and Photochemically Liberated from Consumer Plastics: Implications for Global and Local Biogeochemical Cycles DOI Creative Commons
Anna N. Walsh, Ann G. Dunlea, Christopher M. Reddy

et al.

ACS Environmental Au, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 11, 2025

Language: Английский

Citations

1
Accessing a Carboxyl‐Anhydride Molecular Switch‐Mediated Recyclable PECT Through Upcycling End‐of‐Use PET DOI Open Access
Hongjie Zhang,

Mingyuan Fang,

Sijie Niu

et al.

Angewandte Chemie International Edition, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 6, 2025

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), with an annual production of exceeding 70 million tons, is mainly utilized in disposable fields and subsequently contribute to severe environmental pollution. Conventional chemical recycling, which typically involves depolymerizing polymer into monomers, limited due the intricate recycling process, excess using unrecyclable solvents low conversion. Inspired by protein's molecular switches, we propose a novel polymer-to-polymer strategy based on polycondensation principles upcycling waste PET high-value recyclable poly(ethylene-co-1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol derivatives containing switches. Upon deactivating switch, acidification reaction occurs within system, leading rapid controllable reduction weight imbalance reactive group. Conversely, activating switch triggers ring-closing that detaches acid anhydrides, bringing about equal molar ratio groups thereby facilitating increase weight. By simply incorporating condensation products melt polycondensation, closed-loop capability achieved without necessitating excessive organic or complex depolymerization processes. The present study not only presents pathway for end-of-use but also introduces innovative concept switching recyclability polymers, demonstrating significant potential large-scale implementation.

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Accessing a Carboxyl‐Anhydride Molecular Switch‐Mediated Recyclable PECT Through Upcycling End‐of‐Use PET DOI Open Access
Hongjie Zhang,

Mingyuan Fang,

Sijie Niu

et al.

Angewandte Chemie, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 6, 2025

Abstract Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), with an annual production of exceeding 70 million tons, is mainly utilized in disposable fields and subsequently contribute to severe environmental pollution. Conventional chemical recycling, which typically involves depolymerizing polymer into monomers, limited due the intricate recycling process, excess using unrecyclable solvents low conversion. Inspired by protein's molecular switches, we propose a novel polymer‐to‐polymer strategy based on polycondensation principles upcycling waste PET high‐value recyclable poly(ethylene‐ co ‐1,4‐cyclohexanedimethanol derivatives containing switches. Upon deactivating switch, acidification reaction occurs within system, leading rapid controllable reduction weight imbalance reactive group. Conversely, activating switch triggers ring‐closing that detaches acid anhydrides, bringing about equal molar ratio groups thereby facilitating increase weight. By simply incorporating condensation products melt polycondensation, closed‐loop capability achieved without necessitating excessive organic or complex depolymerization processes. The present study not only presents pathway for end‐of‐use but also introduces innovative concept switching recyclability polymers, demonstrating significant potential large‐scale implementation.

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Plastic additives alter the influence of photodegradation on biodegradation of polyethylene/polypropylene polymers in natural rivers DOI

Lihua Niu,

Jiayan Shen, Yi Li

et al.

Journal of Hazardous Materials, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 489, P. 137542 - 137542

Published: Feb. 10, 2025

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Immobilization of Proteinase K into PLA for self-biodegradable DOI
Ying Cao, Wenya Ma, Siqi Chen

et al.

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 304, P. 140873 - 140873

Published: Feb. 12, 2025

Language: Английский

Citations

0
A Comprehensive Overview of Chemical Additives in Single-Use Polimeric Products: Functionality, Environmental Impact and the Analytical Greenness Assessment DOI
Denys Pavlovskyi, Victoria Vorobyova

Water Air & Soil Pollution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 236(3)

Published: Feb. 26, 2025

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Hydrocarbon Deposition during Polyolefin Upcycling: Irreversible Adsorption and Surface Reactions of Polyethylene and Ethylene Oligomers on Silica Supports DOI

Fawaz Motolani,

Rebekah J. Snellings, Sogand Aghamohammadi

et al.

Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 12, 2025

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Untangling Polymer Chains: Size, Topology, Processing, and Recycling DOI Creative Commons
Zhiqiang Sun, Zhen Dong, Feng Yu

et al.

Accounts of Materials Research, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 23, 2025

InfoMetricsFiguresRef. Accounts of Materials ResearchASAPArticle This publication is free to access through this site. Learn More CiteCitationCitation and abstractCitation referencesMore citation options ShareShare onFacebookXWeChatLinkedInRedditEmailBlueskyJump toExpandCollapse ViewpointMarch 23, 2025Untangling Polymer Chains: Size, Topology, Processing, RecyclingClick copy article linkArticle link copied!Zhiqiang SunZhiqiang SunShenzhen Grubbs Institute Department Chemistry, Southern University Science Technology, Shenzhen 518055, ChinaMore by Zhiqiang SunView BiographyZhen DongZhen DongShenzhen Zhen DongView BiographyFeng YuFeng YuShenzhen Feng YuView BiographySitong FengSitong FengShenzhen Sitong FengView BiographyZhong-Ren Chen*Zhong-Ren ChenShenzhen ChinaGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory Catalysis, China*Email: [email protected]More Zhong-Ren ChenView Biographyhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-2929-9566Open PDFAccounts ResearchCite this: Acc. Mater. Res. 2025, XXXX, XXX, XXX-XXXClick citationCitation copied!https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/accountsmr.5c00057https://doi.org/10.1021/accountsmr.5c00057Published March 2025 Publication History Received 20 February 2025Published online 23 2025article-commentary© Research. Co-published ShanghaiTech American Chemical Society. All rights reserved. available under these Terms Use. Request reuse permissionsThis licensed for personal use The ACS Publications© reserved.Subjectswhat are subjects Article automatically applied from the Subject Taxonomy describe scientific concepts themes article. Copolymers Plastics Polymers Recycling Over past century, advances in polymer science have enabled creation materials that strong, durable, versatile, remarkably cost-effective produce. These attributes made polymers indispensable nearly every aspect modern life, packaging construction healthcare electronics. However, success synthetic has led unintended consequences. Their low cost widespread availability encouraged a culture disposability, resulting massive amounts plastic waste persist environment. Today, pollution global crisis, with millions tons plastics entering oceans ecosystems each year, threatening wildlife human health.In response two primary strategies emerged, i.e., degradation recycling, targeting different stage lifecycle. One focuses on end lifecycle, promoting biodegradable can break down naturally after disposal, thereby reducing environmental pressure. other aims create closed-loop cycle regulating disposal practices establishing efficient recycling systems, ensuring recovered reused rather than While both aim mitigate pollution, they follow divergent philosophies─degradation adopting linear end-of-life solution striving circular lifecycle─often without unified vision.At heart entangled societal issue lies fundamental question: How we untangle complex web challenges surrounding pollution? To find solution, perhaps should trace back essence science─the formation macromolecules polymerizing small molecules, or monomers. By understanding reimagining processes materials, may uncover new pathways design not only high-performing easy processing but also inherently sustainable.To accommodate minimum mechanical properties polymeric size synthesized must exceed critical entanglement molecular weight, Mc. In semicrystalline polymers, Mw, plays crucial role crystallization, entanglements, tie thus affecting strength ductility. (1) Tie molecules chains traverse multiple crystalline domains, effectively linking them together intercrystalline amorphous layers. A high fraction ensures connectivity regions, contributing overall strength, toughness, durability polymer.However, while excellent material properties, ultrahigh weight bring about challenges. As depicted Figure 1, above Mc, viscosity, η, increases sharply increasing η ∼ Mw3.4, significantly difficulty processing.Figure 1Figure 1. Molecular dependence untangled chains.High Resolution ImageDownload MS PowerPoint SlideThis trade-off between processability universal challenge science, it particularly pronounced case polyolefins, which account majority production. one most widely used such as polyethylene (PE) polypropylene (PP), exemplify delicate balance achieving superior performance maintaining feasible conditions. For instance, (UHMWPE) fibers exhibit exceptional modulus due their extended chain structures crystallinity molecules. extremely melt viscosity poor flowability entanglements pose bottleneck hinders further development, highlighting need innovative solutions bridge gap processability.To overcome difficulties, promising approach topology design, 2. Compared chains, short branches (SCBs), e.g., low-density (LLDPE) polymerized direct copolymerization walking polymerization, little effect rheological enhanced flexibility impact resistance. On hand, long (LCBs) much lower at same Mw level. branching density will somewhat reduce strength. Achieving control remains an ongoing pursuit. (2)Figure 2Figure Development commercial production polyolefins.High SlideAnother common strategy facilitate manufacturing enhance incorporation molecule additives, nucleating agents, plasticizers, antioxidants, flame retardants. additives improve performance, cumulative chemical complexity introduced poses significant challenges, including toxicity, migration, difficulties compatibility matrix. (3) issues prompted researchers explore alternative approaches achieve similar benefits relying external additives.One bimodal distribution (MWD), PE, 3. modulating MWD unimodal bimodal, possible simultaneously additional changes structure composition. PEs, (LMW) acts built-in aid, crystallinity, (HMW) provides improved properties. (4−6)Figure 3Figure schematic diagram show how shapes affect phases via nucleation growth process, polymers. comparison PEs Mw. (a) Unimodal shapes. (b) Nuclei. (c) Structure phases. bold passing n = 4 layers lamellae. (d) Mechanical Reproduced permission ref (5). Copyright 2023 Elsevier Ltd.High raises intriguing possibility: Can LMW be chemically functionalized replace traditional additives? tailoring perform specific functions, nucleation, plasticization, antioxidation, retardation, address diffusion associated required dosage, recycling. Such would simplify composition minimize additive migration accumulation.The aids offers additives. management extend beyond performance; require recycling.Branched those long-chain branches, shown great potential regard. unique enhances making ideal compatibilizers mixed waste, polyethylene/isotactic (PE/iPP) blends.Coates reported 1 wt % PE-graft-iPP copolymers, prepared using grafting-through strategy, compatibilization PE/iPP blends. (7) Recently, developed method commercially viable ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber blends, 4. (8) situ reversible radical reaction enables grafting EPDM PE (or iPP) interface, providing facile recycling.Figure 4Figure Schematic illustration (8). SlideThe branched applications highlights importance addressing Beyond branching, another powerful block copolymers (BCPs). Unlike consist distinct segments connected sequence, enabling precise tuning applications.Among well-defined simplest diblock been investigated blend compatibilization. Symmetric particular, accepted effective blends one-pot mixing. (9,10) our recent work revealed asymmetric even when sequential mixing strategies, 5. (11)Figure 5Figure illustrations proposed mechanism BCP (stages I II) interfacial adhesion vulcanized neat PB/PI compatibilized BCPs longer PI block, symmetric, shorter block. Block copolymer homopolymer identified slightly colors. (11). Society.High SlideBeyond established triblock, multiblock combine offer opportunities advanced applications. (12) Multiblock serving demonstrate (13) living polymerization synthesis economically attractive its catalyst usage, limiting adoption industrial processes.To progress techniques. breakthrough shuttling (CSP), practical scalable producing copolymers. Introduced Dow 2006, utilizes pair catalysts presence agent (CSA) statistical lengths numbers. (14) revolutionized ethylene–octene exemplified product INFUSE olefin (OBCs).Building success, group recently discovered FI ethylene–norbornene leading glassy cycloolefin (COBCs), 6. (15) tunability allows tailored elastomers, depending concentration, ratio, CSA ratio. Undeniably, COBCs bulk elastomer market, 6Figure (COBCs) elastomers. (15). 2024 emergence OBCs paradigm shift design. Traditional rubber, rely cross-linking effective, involves various results difficult recycle reuse. replacing physical networks formed self-assembly enable easier major limitations Furthermore, tunable open possibilities multifunctional meet demands diverse minimizing impact.So, what next direction design─chain untangling? integrate processability, recyclability, posed entanglements. Untangled 1.Untangling directly during seems viable. optimizing conditions temperature, pressure, types, Rastogi Mecking achieved disentangled UHMWPE reduced weight. (16,17) Our exploring single-chain supported catalysts, 7. (18)Figure 7Figure diagrams mechanisms petal-like crystals polymerization. (18). SlideAlternatively, methods dynamic processing, bonds, (19) appears workable 8. Under conditions, bonds temporarily into oligomers, length improving processability. After use, reform restoring materials. minimizes enhancing recyclability.Figure 8Figure untangling oligomer–polymer transformation bonds.High SlideLooking forward, future lose sight original goals: ease synthesis. At time, evolve prioritize friendliness. ultimate issue. Should focus biodegradation, risks encouraging throwaway introducing microplastic toxicity? Or whether recover monomers polymers? promise high-quality raw often comes energy costs inefficiencies. though simpler more energy-efficient, faces sorting deterioration.To web, first line defense, resorting unfeasible. importantly, return very considering recyclability first-principles physics─from bond engineering─we compromising performance. optimizes lifecycle aligns principles sustainable circularity.Collaborative efforts academia industry essential translating breakthroughs solutions. Together, shape world.Author InformationClick section linkSection copied!Corresponding AuthorZhong-Ren Chen - China; Guangdong https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2929-9566; Email: protected]AuthorsZhiqiang Sun ChinaZhen Dong ChinaFeng Yu ChinaSitong ChinaNotesThe authors declare no competing financial interest.BiographiesClick SunDownload SlideZhiqiang now M.S. student Technology (SUSTech). He obtained his B.S. degree SUSTech 2022. His research structure–property relationships soft copolymers.Zhen DongDownload SlideZhen received Ph.D. (SUSTech) M.Eng. B.Eng. degrees Harbin 2019 2017. polymer-supported catalysts.Feng YuDownload SlideFeng Ningbo 2017 Wuhan Donghu 2014. novel compatibilizer polyolefin blends.Sitong FengDownload SlideSitong 2020 2018. covalent adaptable network ring-opening metathesis polymerization.Zhong-Ren ChenDownload SlideZhong-Ren Zhejiang 1984 1987 Engineering Chemistry 1998 California (Caltech) joint supervision Julia A. Kornfield Robert H. Grubbs. Then he pursued postdoctoral chemistry Stanford M. Waymouth. From 2000 2011, joined Bridgestone Americas scientist U.S. Currently, Chair Professor since 2016. guided physics.AcknowledgmentsClick copied!This was financially State Research Programme China (Grant Nos. 2021YFB3800702 2021YFB3800705), National Natural Foundation (22075124) Special Fund JCYJ20190809115013348 JCYJ20210324103811030), Catalysis (No. 2020B121201002). acknowledge assistance Core Facilities.ReferencesClick copied! references 19 publications. 1Flory, P. J.; Yoon, D. Y. morphology Nature 1978, 272 (5650), 226– 229, DOI: 10.1038/272226a0 Google Scholar1Molecular polymersFlory, Paul Do YeungNature (London, United Kingdom) (1978), 226-9CODEN: NATUAS; ISSN:0028-0836. circumstances were obsd. crystn. randomly coiled proceeded. sequences mol. undergo remote along mol., edge lamella. affixed crystal several sequences, distributed over before undergoes acquired cryst. contributed mols. already engaged lamellae prevents rearrangement. Large irreversible deformations entail melting immediately followed recrystn., array being incorporated regenerated crystallite pattern compliant prevailing stress. >> SciFinder ®https://chemport.cas.org/services/resolver?origin=ACS&resolution=options&coi=1%3ACAS%3A528%3ADyaE1cXkslGmsbk%253D&md5=5927913e7ebd378bea76d41568ea8b162Froese, R. D.; Arriola, den Doelder, Hou, Kashyap, T.; Lu, K.; Martinetti, L.; Stubbert, B. process polyethylene. 2024, 383 (6688), 1223– 1228, 10.1126/science.adn3067 ScholarThere corresponding record reference.3Law, K. Sobkowicz, Shaver, P.; Hahn, E. Untangling life outcomes. Nat. Rev. 9 (9), 657– 667, 10.1038/s41578-024-00705-x reference.4Long, C.; Dong, Z.; Liu, X.; Yu, F.; Shang, Y.; Wang, Feng, S.; He, Chen, Z.-R. Simultaneous enhancement polyethylenes shape. 2022, 258, 125287 10.1016/j.polymer.2022.125287 Scholar4Simultaneous shapeLong, Chuanjiang; Zhen; Xiaoqing; Feng; Yuxuan; Keqiang; Sitong; Xunan; Chaobin; Zhong-RenPolymer (2022), 258 (), 125287CODEN: POLMAG; ISSN:0032-3861. (Elsevier Ltd.) Semicryst. wt. (MWD) captured broad interest industry. Current understand compared factors wt., phase sepn. collective decouple order elucidate independent contribution work, transfer polymn. utilized prep. (PEs), serve model system study crystn., rheol. mech. semicryst. It demonstrated display Young's tensile ductility unaffected. comparable wts., 40% exhibiting up 30% greater represents systematic comparative investigation shape-property relationship wide range. indicates merit altering av. chem. compn. ®https://chemport.cas.org/services/resolver?origin=ACS&resolution=options&coi=1%3ACAS%3A528%3ADC%252BB38Xitl2ksb7K&md5=4a4a8f758f8793b6f981edd4187d61335Long, stiffness, isotropic based polyethylenes. 2023, 275, 125936 10.1016/j.polymer.2023.125936 reference.6Long, Weight Distribution Shape Dependence Crystallization Kinetics Semicrystalline Based Linear Bimodal Polyethylenes. Appl. Polym. 5 (4), 2654– 2663, 10.1021/acsapm.2c02236 Scholar6Molecular PolyethylenesLong, Zhong-RenACS Applied (2023), 2654-2663CODEN: AAPMCD; ISSN:2637-6105. (American Society) manipulation kinetics compn., structure, challenging, attention paid series (PEs) wts. ranging 300 k 1200 g/mol wt.-av. (Mw). faster rate smaller lamellar width isothermal temps. higher enthalpy non-isothermal expts. behind elucidated,

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Recyclable plastics from a manganese catalyst DOI
Georgina L. Gregory

Nature Chemistry, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 31, 2025

Language: Английский

Citations

0