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Advantages
- It is possible to chemically decompose sulfonated polymers, which are super engineering plastics that have no stable and efficient decomposition method.
Current Stage and Key Data
- Decomposition of PSU (polysulfone) has been confirmed in the laboratory using this technology.
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Partnering Model
We are currently seeking partner companies to apply this technology to research, develop, and commercialize efficient chemical recycling of sulfone polymers.
- Examples of potential partners: chemical and material manufacturers, water treatment companies, automobile and aircraft manufacturers, etc.
Background
Sulfonated polymers are organic compounds that are widely used as super engineering plastics in a wide range of applications, from electronic materials, automobiles, and aircraft to medical care. While they have the advantages of being extremely strong, thermally stable, and hydrolysis-resistant, their high stability means that there is no efficient method for decomposing them, making their disposal a challenge.
We have discovered a method for using sulfonyl groups as functional groups in cross-coupling reactions using nickel catalysts, enabling the use of various substrates. Furthermore, we have succeeded in decomposing sulfone polymers by using sulfonyl-containing substrates.….
Patents and Publications
- Patent: Patent pending
- Paper: Ohkura et al., ACS Catalysis (2025) Vol 15/Issue 11
Principal Investigator
Masakazu Nambo (Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules, Nagoya University, Tokai National Higher Education and Research System)
Project ID:JT-04922