Annelie Jongerius of Avantium, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, presented the formation of the polymer PoLyGlyoxylic Acid (PLGA) from carbon dioxide. The presentation was part of a Sustainable Process Intensification Network (SPIN-NL) and TNO mini-symposium on electrochemical carbon dioxide conversion, at Rijswijk, Netherlands 3rd of September 2024. As a member of SPIN-NL I attend these mini-symposiums, held every three months.
The synthesis steps are an electrochemical step of carbon dioxide to formic acid, followed by catalytic steps to oxalic acid, to glyoxalic acid, and to PLGA. The electrochemical step has been proven by Avantium at pilot plant scale. The PLGA plastic can be recycled by converting it back tot he monomer, separating other ingredients and then can be re-polymerized. The plastic has excellent oxygen barrier, and moisture barrier properties. It can be combined with paper, and it is biodegradable. Its present use is in medical applications, but given its properties and its recyclability the applications could quickly grow.