Recent advances in catalytic hydrogenolysis of polycarbonate, polyurethane and polyurea

Plastics are extensively utilized across diverse fields of modern society, owing to their exceptional physicochemical properties and processability. However, conventional waste plastic treatment approaches—such as landfilling and incineration—typically suffer from low efficiency and pose significant environmental pollution risks. Consequently, the development of efficient, high-value recycling strategies is of paramount significance for realizing a sustainable future. Catalytic hydrogenolysis has recently emerged as a promising technology for plastic valorization, featuring high atom economy, diverse product outputs, and notable environmental benefits. This review focuses on the catalytic hydrogenolysis of three pivotal engineering polymers: polycarbonate, polyurethane, and polyurea. It systematically summarizes recent advances in this research area, while providing an in-depth analysis of the key scientific challenges and technical bottlenecks that impede its broader industrial implementation. Finally, future research directions are proposed based on existing studies, aiming to offer novel perspectives for advancing the circular plastic economy.