Upcycling polyethersulfones to luminescent materials by aminolysis

Abstract

The upcycling of polyethersulfone (PES), a high-performance polymer based on an aromatic-rich aryl-ether-based backbone, can advantageously yield both the starting comonomer bisphenol S (BPS) and valuable OLED derivatives, providing a complete atom valorization strategy for PES waste. Deprotonated selected amines have proved particularly efficient at depolymerizing PES at moderate temperatures (∼120 °C). The recycled monomer yields validate the back-to-monomer chemical recycling method for industrial compliance. The OLED derivatives afforded by the same simple process can easily be isolated, promoting an innovative upcycling strategy that transforms polymer into valuable chemicals, a highly relevant approach for mitigating the ever-growing plastic waste accumulation.