Nature-inspired methylated polyhydroxybutyrates from C1 and C4 feedstocks

Zhou, Zhiyao; LaPointe, Anne M.; Shaffer, Timothy D.; Coates, Geoffrey W.

doi:10.1038/s41557-023-01187-0

Nature-inspired methylated polyhydroxybutyrates from C1 and C4 feedstocks

Journal Article · Thu Apr 06 00:00:00 EDT 2023 · Nature Chemistry

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41557-023-01187-0· OSTI ID:1992433

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Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (United States); Cornell University
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (United States)
ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company, Annandale, NJ (United States)

Polyolefin plastics are widely used due to their low cost and outstanding properties, but their environmental persistence presents a major societal challenge. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are biodegradable substitutes for polyolefins, but their high cost and thermal instability are impediments to their widespread application. Here we report a series of methylated polyhydroxybutyrates, poly(3-hydroxy-2-methylbutyrate)s, which are structurally inspired by natural PHAs. The cis homopolymers exhibit tacticity-independent crystallinity, which allows for the discovery of high-melting, thermally stable and mechanically tough copolymers, and a full range of polyolefin-like properties can be further achieved by tailoring the cis/trans ratio of the repeating units. Moreover, these materials can be synthesized from inexpensive carbon monoxide and 2-butene feedstocks, and they can be chemically recycled or upcycled at their end of life. As a result, the versatile properties, abundant feedstocks and end-of-life utility of this family of polyesters will enable a powerful platform for the discovery of sustainable alternatives to polyolefin plastics.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: National Science Foundation (NSF); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)

Grant/Contract Number:: FG02-05ER15687

OSTI ID:: 1992433

Alternate ID(s):: OSTI ID: 2339636

Journal Information:: Nature Chemistry, Journal Name: Nature Chemistry Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 15; ISSN 1755-4330

Publisher:: Nature Publishing GroupCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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