Mild aqueous metal catalyzed oxidative conversion of low-density polyethylene to low molecular weight aliphatic carboxylic acids

Abstract

Aqueous oxidative deconstruction of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was investigated using homogeneous first-row transition metal catalysts under mild conditions (130–150 °C and ≤100 PSI oxygen pressure). Oxidation of LDPE resulted in high yields of low molecular weight carboxylic acids (up to 75% yield as determined by carbon balance). Aqueous processing is well-suited for biological conversion of the breakdown products.