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Marquez JD, Gitter SR, Gilchrist GC, Hughes RW, Sumerlin BS, Evans AM. Electrochemical Postpolymerization Modification and Deconstruction of Macromolecules. ACS Macro Lett 2024:1345-1354. [PMID: 39319830 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.4c00507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
Electrolysis is an emerging approach to polymer postpolymerization modification, deconstruction, and depolymerization. Electrochemical reactions are particularly appealing for macromolecular transformations because of their high selectivity, ability to be externally monitored, and intrinsic scalability. Despite these desirable features and the recent resurgent use of small-molecule electrochemical reactions, the development of macromolecular electrolysis has been limited. Herein, we highlight recent examples of polymer transformations driven by heterogeneous redox chemistry. Throughout our exploration of macromolecular electrolysis, we provide our perspective on opportunities for continued investigation in this nascent field. Specifically, we highlight how targeted reaction development through deeper mechanistic insight will expand the scope of materials that can be (de)constructed with electrochemical methods. As this insight is developed, we expect macromolecular electrolysis to emerge as a high-functioning and complementary tool for macromolecular functionalization and deconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D Marquez
- George and Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Center for Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Sean R Gitter
- George and Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Center for Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Graham C Gilchrist
- George and Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Center for Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Rhys W Hughes
- George and Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Center for Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Brent S Sumerlin
- George and Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Center for Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Austin M Evans
- George and Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Center for Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
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2
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Zhang W, Killian L, Thevenon A. Electrochemical recycling of polymeric materials. Chem Sci 2024; 15:8606-8624. [PMID: 38873080 PMCID: PMC11168094 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc01754d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Polymeric materials play a pivotal role in our modern world, offering a diverse range of applications. However, they have been designed with end-properties in mind over recyclability, leading to a crisis in their waste management. The recent emergence of electrochemical recycling methodologies for polymeric materials provides new perspectives on closing their life cycle, and to a larger extent, the plastic loop by transforming plastic waste into monomers, building blocks, or new polymers. In this context, we summarize electrochemical strategies developed for the recovery of building blocks, the functionalization of polymer chains as well as paired electrolysis and discuss how they can make an impact on plastic recycling, especially compared to traditional thermochemical approaches. Additionally, we explore potential directions that could revolutionize research in electrochemical plastic recycling, addressing associated challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhe Zhang
- Organic Chemistry and Catalysis, Institute for Sustainable and Circular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University Universiteitsweg 99 Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Lars Killian
- Organic Chemistry and Catalysis, Institute for Sustainable and Circular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University Universiteitsweg 99 Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Arnaud Thevenon
- Organic Chemistry and Catalysis, Institute for Sustainable and Circular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University Universiteitsweg 99 Utrecht The Netherlands
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3
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Hughes RW, Marquez JD, Young JB, Garrison JB, Zastrow IS, Evans AM, Sumerlin BS. Selective Electrochemical Modification and Degradation of Polymers. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202403026. [PMID: 38416815 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202403026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
We demonstrate that electrochemical-induced decarboxylation enables reliable post-polymerization modification and degradation of polymers. Polymers containing N-(acryloxy)phthalimides were subjected to electrochemical decarboxylation under mild conditions, which led to the formation of transient alkyl radicals. By installing these redox-active units, we systematically modified the pendent groups and chain ends of polyacrylates. This approach enabled the production of poly(ethylene-co-methyl acrylate) and poly(propylene-co-methyl acrylate) copolymers, which are difficult to synthesize by direct polymerization. Spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques reveal these transformations are near-quantitative on several polymer systems. Electrochemical decarboxylation also enables the degradation of all-methacrylate poly(N-(methacryloxy)phthalimide-co-methyl methacrylate) copolymers with a degradation efficiency of >95 %. Chain cleavage is achieved through the decarboxylation of the N-hydroxyphthalimide ester and subsequent β-scission of the backbone radical. Electrochemistry is thus shown to be a powerful tool in selective polymer transformations and controlled macromolecular degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhys W Hughes
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Joshua D Marquez
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - James B Young
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - John B Garrison
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Isabella S Zastrow
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Austin M Evans
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Brent S Sumerlin
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
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4
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Hsu JH, Ball TE, Oh S, Stache EE, Fors BP. Selective Electrocatalytic Degradation of Ether-Containing Polymers. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202316578. [PMID: 38032347 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202316578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Leveraging electrochemistry to degrade robust polymeric materials has the potential to impact society's growing issue of plastic waste. Herein, we develop an electrocatalytic oxidative degradation of polyethers and poly(vinyl ethers) via electrochemically mediated hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) followed by oxidative polymer degradation promoted by molecular oxygen. We investigated the selectivity and efficiency of this method, finding our conditions to be highly selective for polymers with hydridic, electron-rich C-H bonds. We leveraged this reactivity to degrade polyethers and poly(vinyl ethers) in the presence of polymethacrylates and polyacrylates with complete selectivity. Furthermore, this method made polyacrylates degradable by incorporation of ether units into the polymer backbone. We quantified degradation products, identifying up to 36 mol % of defined oxidation products, including acetic acid, formic acid, and acetaldehyde, and we extended this method to degrade a polyether-based polyurethane in a green solvent. This work demonstrates a facile, electrochemically-driven route to degrade polymers containing ether functionalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse H Hsu
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Tyler E Ball
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Sewon Oh
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Erin E Stache
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Brett P Fors
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
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5
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Galan NJ, Cobbold BE, Cromer CE, Brantley JN. Macromolecular Photoediting Using Single-Electron Logic. ACS Macro Lett 2023; 12:1623-1628. [PMID: 37962989 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.3c00646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Accessing the chemistry of reactive intermediates under mild conditions has significantly expanded the available chemical space for molecular transformations. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the context of photoredox catalysis. Despite abundant literature precedents for using this powerful methodology to build complex targets, there are comparatively few reports that leverage photoredox catalysis for macromolecular editing. Here, we report a mild photoredox approach that enables both the functionalization and degradation of polyalkenamers to valuable feedstocks. Irradiation with visible light (including natural sunlight) in the presence of a pyrillium photoredox catalyst promoted facile chain scission in a variety of substrates. This metal-free approach transformed high molar mass materials (>300 kDa) to low molar mass species (<15 kDa) within 10 min. Moreover, we could completely degrade macromolecules into a range of useful targets (C16-C29 species) within 96 h. Mechanistic and kinetic experiments were carried out to understand this reactivity, which could be coupled with hydrofunctionalizations to create tailored products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Galan
- The Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Boris E Cobbold
- The Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Chase E Cromer
- The Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Johnathan N Brantley
- The Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
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6
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Wang Y, Dana S, Long H, Xu Y, Li Y, Kaplaneris N, Ackermann L. Electrochemical Late-Stage Functionalization. Chem Rev 2023; 123:11269-11335. [PMID: 37751573 PMCID: PMC10571048 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Late-stage functionalization (LSF) constitutes a powerful strategy for the assembly or diversification of novel molecular entities with improved physicochemical or biological activities. LSF can thus greatly accelerate the development of medicinally relevant compounds, crop protecting agents, and functional materials. Electrochemical molecular synthesis has emerged as an environmentally friendly platform for the transformation of organic compounds. Over the past decade, electrochemical late-stage functionalization (eLSF) has gained major momentum, which is summarized herein up to February 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yang Xu
- Institut für Organische
und Biomolekulare Chemie and Wöhler Research Institute for
Sustainable Chemistry (WISCh), Georg-August-Universität, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Yanjun Li
- Institut für Organische
und Biomolekulare Chemie and Wöhler Research Institute for
Sustainable Chemistry (WISCh), Georg-August-Universität, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Nikolaos Kaplaneris
- Institut für Organische
und Biomolekulare Chemie and Wöhler Research Institute for
Sustainable Chemistry (WISCh), Georg-August-Universität, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Lutz Ackermann
- Institut für Organische
und Biomolekulare Chemie and Wöhler Research Institute for
Sustainable Chemistry (WISCh), Georg-August-Universität, Göttingen 37077, Germany
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7
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Zhou Y, Rodríguez-López J, Moore JS. Heterogenous electromediated depolymerization of highly crystalline polyoxymethylene. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4847. [PMID: 37563151 PMCID: PMC10415396 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39362-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-consumer plastic waste in the environment has driven the scientific community to develop deconstruction methods that yield valued substances from these synthetic macromolecules. Electrocatalysis is a well-established method for achieving challenging transformations in small molecule synthesis. Here we present the first electro-chemical depolymerization of polyoxymethylene-a highly crystalline engineering thermoplastic (Delrin®)-into its repolymerizable monomer, formaldehyde/1,3,5-trioxane, under ambient conditions. We investigate this electrochemical deconstruction by employing solvent screening, cyclic voltammetry, divided cell studies, electrolysis with redox mediators, small molecule model studies, and control experiments. Our findings determine that the reaction proceeds via a heterogeneous electro-mediated acid depolymerization mechanism. The bifunctional role of the co-solvent 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) is also revealed. This study demonstrates the potential of electromediated depolymerization serving as an important role in sustainable chemistry by merging the concepts of renewable energy and circular plastic economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Zhou
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Joint Center for Energy Storage Research, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Joaquín Rodríguez-López
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Joint Center for Energy Storage Research, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Moore
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
- Joint Center for Energy Storage Research, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
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8
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Maksso I, Samanta RC, Zhan Y, Zhang K, Warratz S, Ackermann L. Polymer up-cycling by mangana-electrocatalytic C(sp 3)-H azidation without directing groups. Chem Sci 2023; 14:8109-8118. [PMID: 37538824 PMCID: PMC10395267 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc02549g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The chemical up-cycling of polymers into value-added materials offers a unique opportunity to place plastic waste in a new value chain towards a circular economy. Herein, we report the selective up-cycling of polystyrenes and polyolefins to C(sp3)-H azidated materials under electrocatalytic conditions. The functionalized polymers were obtained with high retention of mass average molecular mass and high functionalization through chemo-selective mangana-electrocatalysis. Our strategy proved to be broadly applicable to a variety of homo- and copolymers. Polyethylene, polypropylene as well as post-consumer polystyrene materials were functionalized by this approach, thereby avoiding the use of hypervalent-iodine reagents in stoichiometric quantities by means of electrocatalysis. This study, hence, represents a chemical oxidant-free polymer functionalization by electro-oxidation. The electrocatalysis proved to be scalable, which highlights its unique feature for a green hydrogen economy by means of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Maksso
- Institut für Organische und Biomolekulare Chemie and Wöhler Research Institute for Sustainable Chemistry (WISCh), Georg-August-Universität Tammannstraße 2 37077 Göttingen Germany
| | - Ramesh C Samanta
- Institut für Organische und Biomolekulare Chemie and Wöhler Research Institute for Sustainable Chemistry (WISCh), Georg-August-Universität Tammannstraße 2 37077 Göttingen Germany
| | - Yifei Zhan
- Institut für Holztechnologie und Holzwerkstoffe, Georg-August-Universität Büsgenweg 4 37077 Göttingen Germany
| | - Kai Zhang
- Institut für Holztechnologie und Holzwerkstoffe, Georg-August-Universität Büsgenweg 4 37077 Göttingen Germany
| | - Svenja Warratz
- Institut für Organische und Biomolekulare Chemie and Wöhler Research Institute for Sustainable Chemistry (WISCh), Georg-August-Universität Tammannstraße 2 37077 Göttingen Germany
| | - Lutz Ackermann
- Institut für Organische und Biomolekulare Chemie and Wöhler Research Institute for Sustainable Chemistry (WISCh), Georg-August-Universität Tammannstraße 2 37077 Göttingen Germany
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9
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Wang Y, Zhao R, Ackermann L. Electrochemical Syntheses of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023:e2300760. [PMID: 36965124 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202300760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have surfaced as increasingly viable components in optoelectronics and material sciences. The development of highly efficient and atom-economic tools to prepare PAHs under exceedingly mild conditions constitutes a long-term goal. Traditional syntheses of PAHs have largely relied on multistep approaches or the conventional Scholl reaction. However, Scholl reactions are largely inefficient with electron-deficient substrates, require stoichiometric chemical oxidants, and typically occur in the presence of strong acid. In sharp contrast, electrochemistry has gained considerable momentum during the past decade as an alternative for the facile and straightforward PAHs assembly, generally via electro-oxidative dehydrogenative annulation, releasing molecular hydrogen as the sole stoichiometric byproduct by the hydrogen evolution reaction. This review provides an overview on the recent and significant advances in the field of electrochemical syntheses of various PAHs until January 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulei Wang
- Institut für Organische und Biomolekulare Chemie and Wöhler Research Institute for Sustainable Chemistry (WISCh), Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Tammanstraße 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Rong Zhao
- Institut für Organische und Biomolekulare Chemie and Wöhler Research Institute for Sustainable Chemistry (WISCh), Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Tammanstraße 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lutz Ackermann
- Institut für Organische und Biomolekulare Chemie and Wöhler Research Institute for Sustainable Chemistry (WISCh), Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Tammanstraße 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
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