Novel Catalytic Process for Synthesizing Polyols from CO2 Feedstock

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are increasingly recognized as the most significant contributor to global warming. The development of industrial processes that utilize CO2 as a feedstock for the production of chemicals could contribute to keeping CO2 out of the atmosphere by storing it in economically viable, anthropogenic carbon products. One such product is low molecular weight poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) polyols, which are being investigated for use in a wide range of applications, including rigid foams, metal coatings, and specialty inks. In previous work, attempts at producing these PPC polyols, by applying a recently developed catalyst technology for the copolymerization of CO2 and epoxides, yielded inefficient reactions with excessive by-product formation. This project will develop a efficient process for producing low molecular weight poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) polyols from captured CO2. Phase I is targeted at empirically investigating the impact of varying process conditions (temperature, pressure, initiators) and catalyst structure. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The technology should provide a value-added use for captured CO2 from power plants by producing polyols without using any petroleum-based starting materials. These very low molecular weight polycarbonates should find opportunities in markets for coatings and surfactants