Selective, Sequential, and “One-Pot” Depolymerization Strategies for Chemical Recycling of Commercial Plastics and Mixed Plastics

The commercial plastics that are currently used in large-scale are primarily concerned with performance and durability, rather than degradability and recyclability. As a result, the chemical recycling of plastics becomes a significant challenge. Selective depolymerization of the mixed plastic waste is a promising solution to the challenges caused by plastic accumulation. Here we present sequential and “one-pot” depolymerization strategies for chemical recycling of commercial plastics (PLA, BPA-PC, PBS, PBAT, PCL, and PET) and mixed plastics (BPA-PC/PET, PLA/PBS, and PLA/PBAT) to their initial monomers or value-added chemicals. Taking advantage of the differences in depolymerization reactivity of commercial plastics and versatile catalytic degradation ability of zinc bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)amide] [Zn(HMDS)2], the selective depolymerization process was smoothly achieved under mild conditions. These strategies provide ideas for promoting the sustainable development of plastics that are currently being used in large-scale.