Polymers are ubiquitous in the modern world, and the demand for and production of plastics products continues to climb. Historically, the chemical manufacturing of plastics has focused on key features, such durability, low-cost, and multifunctionality; however, these aspects also challenge current recycling and upcycling efforts to combat the plastics waste dilemma. The Center for Plastics Innovation (CPI), an Energy Frontier Research Center (EFRC) funded by the Department of Energy (DOE), was established in 2020 to address this grand challenge <i>via </i>data- and systems-driven approaches. I will provide an overview of CPI and highlight fundamental research activities across CPI designed to tackle the complexity of plastics waste utilizing deconstruction and upgrading strategies.

Tackling the plastics waste challenge via catalytic innovations, macromolecular chemistry, and materials manufacturing

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.