Can catalysts decompose robust plastics? (PlasticCat)

Key question: The current crisis in (micro)plastic pollution demands the discovery of new and sustainable approaches to recycling robust plastics such as nylons economically. I hypothesize that molecular catalysts can be engineered to make closed-loop chemical recycling viable through depolymerization.

Key result: PlasticCat will discover molecular catalysts that can catalyze the hydrogenative depolymerization of nylon to component monomers at room temperature and pressure.

Key impact: Discovery of catalysts that can make true closed-loop chemical nylon recycling economically viable, enabling circular production that is scalable and does not rely on legislation or subsidy.