During his PhD studies, Hongwei Sun investigates homogeneously catalyzed direct or indirect C(sp³)–C(sp³) and C(sp³)–O sigma bond cleavages to attempt establishing new methods for recycling polyolefins and epoxy resins. Regarding chemical recycling of epoxy resin, an efficient and economical base-mediated deconstruction pathway was discovered, showcasing a broad substrate scope with tolerance to water and air.

Scale-up reaction with excellent results showed promise in industrial application and cooperation within CETEC project is going on to make impacts in industrial area.

The PhD study was completed at Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science, Aarhus University.

This summary was prepared by the PhD student.

Time: Thursday, 19 January 2023 at 09:15
Place: Building 1593, room 012, iNANO, Aarhus University
Title of PhD thesis: The Development of A Practical Approach to Chemical Recycling of Polymers Through Selective Bond Disconnections

Contact information: Hongwei Sun, e-mail: au648999@uni.au.dk, tel.: +45 91872244

Members of the assessment committee:
Professor Virginie Vidal, Chimie, ParisTech, France

Professor Mikael Bols, Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Professor Alexander N. Zelikin (chair), Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University,Denmark

Main supervisor:
Professor Troels Skrydstrup, Interdisplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Denmark

Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English

The defence is public.
The PhD thesis is available for reading at the Graduate School of Technical Sciences/GSTS,

Jens Baggesens Vej 53, building 5221, 8200 Aarhus N.