Luminescent polymers, which are light-emitting materials used in everything from car navigation displays to computer screens, are known for their flexibility and potential in various applications. However, when these electronics are discarded, they contribute to landfill waste, and recycling them is challenging and energy-intensive. The economic value of recycling luminescent polymers is high, but creating methods to do so has been difficult due to the complexities at the molecular level.
A recent publication in Nature Sustainability, led by researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory in collaboration with the University of Chicago, Purdue University, and Yale University, addresses this issue. The team has developed a novel approach to designing luminescent polymers that are both biodegradable and recyclable. By integrating a chemical called tert-butyl ester, which breaks down under heat or mild acid, the team has created polymers that maintain their light-emitting efficiency while being easier to recycle.
Their innovative material achieved a significant improvement in performance, with an external quantum efficiency of 15.1% in electroluminescence—a tenfold increase compared to existing degradable polymers. At the end of their lifecycle, these polymers can be broken down using mild acid or low heat (>410°F), and the resulting components can be reused to produce new materials.
The goal is to advance towards more sustainable electronics that are designed not only for current functionality but also for future recyclability and broader applications. The next phase involves scaling this technology for use in consumer electronics like cell phones and computer screens, with ongoing testing to refine the process.
This development represents an important step toward addressing electronic waste. As the team notes, every advancement counts in the quest for more sustainable electronic products, and they hope this success will spur greater focus on designing with sustainability in mind.
