Catalysts for Polymer Synthesis and Selective Polymer Pyrolysis: Toward Circular and Sustainable Materials
A special issue of Catalysts (ISSN 2073-4344). This special issue belongs to the section "Industrial Catalysis".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 20
Special Issue Editors
Interests: catalytic polymerization of olefins; heterogeneous Ziegler-Natta catalysts; organometallic catalysts for olefin polymerization
2. MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
Interests: catalysts; olefins polymerization; diolefins; biodegradable polymers; pyrolysis; H2-rich syngas; bio-oils; MOFs; COFs; HOFs; waste valorization; plastics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
This special issue, “Catalysts for Polymer Synthesis and Selective Polymer Pyrolysis: Toward Circular and Sustainable Materials”, highlights the transformative role of catalysts in advancing sustainable polymer technologies and circular material systems. It brings together innovative research focused on the design and application of advanced catalytic systems for the polymerization of olefins, diolefins, and biodegradable monomers. Emphasis is placed on single-site, metallocene, Ziegler-Natta, and organometallic catalysts, as well as emerging strategies for improving catalytic activity, selectivity, and control over polymer structure and properties.
Another major focus of the issue is also placed on catalyst-assisted co-pyrolysis of biomass and synthetic polymers as a sustainable route for producing H₂-rich syngas, bio-oils, and porous carbon-based catalysts supporting waste valorization and energy recovery. The issue encourages studies on catalyst-integrated polymeric composites—especially those combining polymers with MOFs, COFs, and HOFs—for advanced environmental applications such as CO2 capture, conversion, and energy storage.
We invite original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that delve into catalytic mechanisms, structure–activity relationships, and scalable technologies aimed at decarbonization, polymer upcycling, and circular economy. This issue aims to inspire interdisciplinary innovation at the interface of catalysis, polymer chemistry, environmental engineering, and materials science.
Prof. Dr. Zhiqiang Fan
Dr. Amjad Ali
Dr. Mudassir Hussain Tahir
Guest Editors
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Keywords
- catalysts for polymers
- catalysts for pyrolysis
- decarbonization
- waste valorization
- plastics
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