Chemical Upcycling of Polyolefins through C−H Functionalization

Polyolefins consist of abundant hydrophobic C−C and C−H bonds, and are considered as immensely potential untapped resources. Chemical upcycling offers a convenient and promising recycling strategy of polyolefins to produce newly-functionalized polymeric materials, and high-value added chemicals. The significant progress made in C−H functionalization reactions of alkane molecules provides new opportunities for improving polyolefin treatments. This review focuses on recent advancements in post-modification routes, specifically the introduction of C−C and C−X (X=O, N, S, halogens and etc.) bonds onto polyolefin chain backbones, as well as degradation models involving homogeneous C−H functionalization. By emphasizing these developments, we aim to highlight the potential of chemical upcycling for enhancing the treatment of polyolefins.