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In the DOE-BES Supported Energy Frontier Research Center, part of the research has focused on the bio-inspired processive macromolecular mechanism for polyolefin deconstruction. This approach employs hydrogenolysis as a means to break C-C bond in the polymer chains; however, the most important feature is the placement of all the catalytic sites at a specific location with each pore. Our synthetic control over catalyst architecture has provided means to study the effects of catalytic architecture on the deconstruction process. Pore diameter, length, and catalyst site placement can all be used to systematically shorten or lengthen products’ chain length, affect yields, and alter selectivity.
Processivity provides a catalyst-design strategy to improve selectivity in polymer deconstructions. Insight into architectural features of porous catalysts, namely the distance through a pore to precisely placed active sites, enables catalyst design to enhance selectivity in polymer upcycling.
Superior Deconstruction of Polyolefins by a Catalyst with an “Open-Open” Mesoporous Architecture
The new mSiO2/Pt/mSiO2 catalyst efficiently uses H2 for polyolefin deconstruction, with >96% of H2 generating C28-average waxes and preventing gas (especially methane) formation, key for enabling a circular plastic economy.
Ames Lab will help advance AI-guided manufacturing of high-performance magnets and strengthen domestic supply chains
Quality Assurance Specialist II, Laboratory Planning & Performance Management
Featured Nature Protocols paper advances efforts to turn plastic waste into valuable materials