Shape-selective zeolite catalysis for bioplastics production

Biodegradable and renewable polymers, such as polylactic acid, are benign alternatives for petrochemical-based plastics. Current production of polylactic acid via its key building block lactide, the cyclic dimer of lactic acid, is inefficient in terms of energy, time, and feedstock use. We present a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) 2015-07, Vol.349 (6243), p.78-80
Main Authors: Dusselier, Michiel, Van Wouwe, Pieter, Dewaele, Annelies, Jacobs, Pierre A., Sels, Bert F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biodegradability
Biodegradable materials
Catalysis
Catalysts
Chemical synthesis
Lactic acid
Minerals
Plastics
Polylactic acid
Polymers
Sustainability
Zeolites
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Summary:Biodegradable and renewable polymers, such as polylactic acid, are benign alternatives for petrochemical-based plastics. Current production of polylactic acid via its key building block lactide, the cyclic dimer of lactic acid, is inefficient in terms of energy, time, and feedstock use. We present a direct zeolite-based catalytic process, which converts lactic acid into lactide. The shape-selective properties of zeolites are essential to attain record lactide yields, outperforming those of the current multistep process by avoiding both racemization and side-product formation. The highly productive process is strengthened by facile recovery and practical reactivation of the catalyst, which remains structurally fit during at least six consecutive reactions, and by the ease of solvent and side-product recycling.
ISSN:0036-8075
1095-9203
DOI:10.1126/science.aaa7169