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

Mei Wu , Jia Wang , Hu Li

ENG. Chem. Eng. ›› 2026, Vol. 20 ›› Issue (6) : 43

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ENG. Chem. Eng. ›› 2026, Vol. 20 ›› Issue (6) :43 DOI: 10.1007/s11705-026-2664-4
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Polystyrene waste valorization via selective C−C bond cleavage: the second life of polymers
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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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Mei Wu, Jia Wang, Hu Li. Polystyrene waste valorization via selective C−C bond cleavage: the second life of polymers. ENG. Chem. Eng., 2026, 20(6): 43 DOI:10.1007/s11705-026-2664-4

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