Depolymerization of polyesters catalyzed by binuclear metal complexes

Chemical recycling of waste polyesters is an effective approach to mitigate plastic pollution and enables the valorization of plastic waste. However, the depolymerization of polyesters is often hindered by sluggish kinetics, and most existing catalytic systems operate via intermolecular nucleophilic substitution mechanisms with limited efficiency. This review summarizes our group’s recent progress in binuclear metal complex catalysts that enable efficient polyester depolymerization through intramolecular transesterification. We first discuss the catalytic mechanisms and structural optimization of binuclear complexes, and further introduce their applications in the chemical recycling of PET-cotton blended textiles, selective recovery of mixed polyester components, accelerated composting degradation of biodegradable plastics, and environmental degradation of microplastics in aqueous systems. Finally, the key challenges faced by binuclear catalysts in chemical recycling of plastics are discussed, and future research directions and potential applications are outlined.