Polystyrene waste valorization via selective C−C bond cleavage: the second life of polymers

Abstract

Prioritizing chemical upcycling of plastic wastes into useful chemicals can minimize the carbon footprint of petrochemical products and alleviate plastic-related pollution, but this process often encounters non-selective deconstruction that limits its scalability. This article discusses how the polystyrene waste valorization constitutes one of the cornerstones for producing valuable chemicals to advance carbon circulation, where the selective C−C bond cleavage can serve as a robust tool.

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Higher Education Press 2026

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