Hydrolysis of polycarbonate using ionic liquid [Bmim][Cl] as solvent and catalyst

The hydrolysis of polycarbonate (PC) was studied using ionic liquid [Bmim][Cl] as solvent and catalyst. The effects of reaction temperature, water dosage and [Bmim][Cl] dosage on reaction results were examined. It was showed that the hydrolysis conversion of PC was almost 100 % and the yield of bisphenol A (BPA) was over 95 % under the reaction conditions of temperature 165 °C, time 3.0 h, m([Bmim][Cl]):m(PC)=1.5:1 and n(H2O):n(PC)=10:1. The ionic liquid could be reused for 8 times without obvious decrease in the conversion of PC and yield of BPA. Therefore, an environmental friendly strategy for chemical recycling of PC was developed.