【Frontiers in HaiChuan Technology】Peking University’s new catalytic process converts waste polyurethane into valuable polymers

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Researchers have developed a catalytic process to convert waste polyurethane into valuable polymers. On December 13, 2024, researchers from Peking University reported on the chemical conversion of polyurethane into valuable polymers. The relevant research findings were published in *Science Reviews* on December 4, 2024. Polyurethanes are an important class of synthetic polymers that are widely used in various applications, ranging from everyday items to advanced tools in social infrastructure. Their inherent cross-linked structure endows them with exceptional durability and flexibility, but it also complicates their degradation and recycling. In this paper, the researchers report a heterogeneous catalytic process that combines methanol decomposition and hydrogenation with a CO2/H2 reaction medium, effectively breaking down PU waste composed of urethane and ester bonds into valuable intermediates such as aromatic diamines and lactones. These intermediates are then converted into functional polymers—polyimide (PI), renowned for its excellent thermal and electrical insulation properties, and polylactone (P(BL-co-CL)), a biodegradable alternative to traditional plastics. Compared to existing commercial products, both of these polymers exhibit improved performance. This method not only helps to add value to plastic waste but also opens up new avenues for creating high-performance materials.