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01 Jun 2010: Process Converts C02
into BPA-free Plastics, Study Says

Researchers say they have identified several classes of organic chemicals that can capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and then be used to make more environmentally benign plastics. Researchers at the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology in Singapore say the coupling of “epoxide” molecules to create carbonates or polycarbonate plastics that can be used in a variety of applications — from drinking bottles to compact discs — is one of the most promising technologies for utilization of CO2. Metal catalysts combined with imidazolium salts can be used to promote reactions with advantages over conventional catalysts, according to the researchers. Significantly, in addition to finding a use for carbon dioxide, these polycarbonates do not contain bisphenol A (BPA), a potentially harmful chemical found in most commercial polycarbonate plastics in use today. The imidazolium salts are stable enough that they can repeatedly “grab” CO2 molecules and incorporate them into larger molecules in the plastic-making process, according to a study published in the journal Energy & Environmental Science. The process also eliminates the need for petroleum in the manufacture of plastics.

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