Abstract
Depolymerization using ionic liquids (ILs) is an efficient and eco-friendly method for recycling waste poly(bisphenol A carbonate) (PC). To use IL for PC ethanolysis, the effect of IL structure on PC depolymerization should be investigated. In this study, we investigated PC ethanolysis using imidazolium-based ILs with different alkyl chain lengths (ethyl, butyl, and hexyl groups) as both the catalyst and solvent to afford the monomer bisphenol-A and a value-added byproduct, diethyl carbonate. 1-Ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium acetate ([EMIM][Ac]) exhibited the highest depolymerization efficiency, and an additional wash step increased the purity of the recovered BPA. A 100 % PC conversion rate, 90.9 % BPA yield, 99.9 % BPA purity, and 99 % [EMIM][Ac] reusability over five depolymerization cycles were observed in the PC ethanolysis using [EMIM][Ac]. In addition, recovered BPA behaved identically to commercially available BPA in the polymerization of PC. This strategy could help reduce the worldwide production of new BPA for PC synthesis.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
