Highly adaptable oxidative upcycling of polyolefins to multifunctional chemicals containing oxygen and nitrogen†

Highly adaptable upcycling of waste polyolefins was demonstrated to obtain high-value nitro-containing polycarboxylic acids in high carbon yields. This method is applicable to a wide range of polyolefins, mixed PP/PE in any ratio, as well as actual polyolefin products and their mixtures. Moreover, the obtained products are homogenized with similarity in molecular weight and functional groups, enabling direct reutilization as fine chemicals or feedstocks for preparation of recyclable high-performance/functional materials. This work provided a new universal and efficient upcycling strategy for waste polyolefins, which may reshape the model of waste plastics recycling, while providing alternative functional chemicals and materials to achieve sustainable development.