Solvent-Regulated Tandem Oxidative Degradation of Polyethylene to Multifunctional Chemicals

Upcycling of polyethylene into useful chemicals is highly demanding, yet challenging to address the waste plastic issue. New approaches are needed in a more cost-effective and energy-efficient way. Here, tandem oxidative degradation of polyethylene into functional chemicals was achieved with a carbon yield of up to 94.6%. This process relies on the oxidation of xylene in the presence of oxygen, generating a radical to induce the oxidation of polyethylene. It enables high-efficiency degradation of polyethylene despite using a non-noble-metal catalyst and a low reaction temperature of 120 °C. The methyl group and its location in xylene play key roles in degradation efficiency and product composition. The oxidation products show good adhesion and film-forming property as well as a recyclable emulsification/demulsification performance depending on the oxidation degree. The versatility of degradation products containing carbonyl and carboxyl groups offers many thrilling options for transforming waste PE into other diverse materials for circular recycling.