BIO

Yunpu Zhao obtained his B.Sc. degree in Chemistry at Nankai University in 2016. He later pursued his Ph.D. degree in physical chemistry at University of Florida, where his research focused on the NMR signal amplification of alkene substrates via parahydrogen induced hyperpolarization and heterogeneous catalysis. After obtaining his Ph.D. degree in 2022, Yunpu joined Ames National Laboratory as a postdoc research associate under the supervision of Dr. Frederic A. Perras. His current research focuses on studying mechanistic insights of processive polymer hydrogenolysis and the structure-property relationship of polymer deconstruction catalysts using solid-state NMR techniques. 

ABSTRACT

Chemical polymer upcycling by processive catalysis can convert single-use plastic wastes into high-value liquid products with high product selectivity and minimal energy input. To achieve this, we designed a novel Pt catalyst with a unique core-shell architecture and demonstrated excellent efficiency and product selectivity in the deconstruction of polyolefins. We further employed various analytical techniques including gel permeation chromatography and solid-state NMR to shed light on the catalytic mechanisms and guide the catalyst modification.