Abstract
Invited for this month's cover is the group of Stephan Enthaler at the University of Hamburg (Germany). The cover picture shows the general structure of chemical recycling processes. In more detail, the chemical recycling of end‐of‐life polymers (plastics) is subdivided into two linked processes. The depolymerization allows the conversion of the end‐of‐life polymer to monomers, which can be reused in the polymerization step for the synthesis of the polymer. By doing so advantages with respect to resource‐efficiency and sustainability can be created. In our manuscript we applied the chemical recycling concept via depolymerization‐polymerization for poly(lactide). Read the full text of their Communication at 10.1002/open.202000243.
“…chemistry can contribute to a transformation from a linear towards a more environmentally friendly, sustainable and circular economy… Find out more about the story behind the front cover research at 10.1002/open.202000243.
What prompted you to investigate this topic/problem?
The negative effects that the global use of plastics has on ecology, economy and society, for example, through the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, global warming and the creation of waste. In this regard, chemistry can contribute to a transformation from a linear towards a more environmentally friendly, sustainable and circular economy.
What is the most significant result of this study?
The high catalyst activity and catalyst robustness, which allow the conversion of a variety of different poly(lactide) goods within short times. Moreover, the application of one kind of catalyst for the depolymerization as well as for the polymerization process.
In one word, how would you describe your research?
Recycling
How would you describe to the layperson the most significant result of this study?
From old to new plastics supported by chemistry.
What aspects of this project do you find most exciting?
The robustness of the catalyst in the depolymerization of everyday plastic objects containing poly(lactide).
E. Cheung, C. Alberti, S. Enthaler, ChemistryOpen 2020, 9, 1223.