Hydrolytic depolymerisation of polyesters over heterogeneous ZnO catalyst

The hydrolytic depolymerisation of polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was accomplished in neat water using heterogenous ZnO catalysts. Up to 100% and 98% selectivity to the complete hydrolysis products was achieved at full PLA and PET conversion at 130 °C and 180 °C, respectively. The catalytic species could be partially (for PLA) recovered and reused, though with a gradual activity drop.