Advancing Electrochemical C–C Bond Cleavage through Interface Engineering

• Applicant: Dr. Sonja Mürtz
• Subject Area: Technical Chemistry
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 577407499

This project seeks to develop innovative electrochemical methods for selective carbon–carbon (C–C) bond cleavage, enabling the chemical recycling of polymers and supporting a sustainable circular economy. Current electrochemical recycling approaches focus mainly on cleaving C–O bonds, while direct, efficient C–C bond cleavage for depolymerizing common plastics remains largely unexplored. The applicant builds on prior expertise in glycerol electro-oxidation, where C–C bond scission was observed, as well as on first results in electrochemical depolymerization of polymers. The research will begin with systematic studies using ethylene glycol as a simple model compound. By varying electrode material, applied potential, pH, temperature, and substrate concentration, the optimal conditions for promoting oxidative C–C bond cleavage will be identified, with formic acid yield as a central metric. Structural variations and functional groups adjacent to the C–C bond will also be examined to understand mechanistic pathways. These insights will then be transferred to polymeric substrates, starting with poly(vinyl alcohol) due to its structural similarity to ethylene glycol and good water solubility, and later extending to other polymers such as polyglycolide and polylactic acid. Challenges such as mass transfer limitations, limited solubility, and competing side reactions will be addressed through electrolyte and interface modifications. A key part of the work will involve tailoring the electrode–electrolyte interface to enhance polymer–electrode contact, suppress water splitting, and improve reaction selectivity. This includes systematic variation of cations, anions, and concentrations in the electrolyte, as well as screening of organic additives such as surfactants or molecular modifiers. Mechanistic insights will be gained using in-situ techniques like ATR-SEIRAS and EQCM-D to study adsorption phenomena, interfacial structures, and reaction intermediates. The project combines fundamental mechanistic investigation with applied recycling strategies, aiming to expand the electrochemical toolbox for processing mixed and multilayer plastics without high temperatures or fossil-based reagents. It will benefit from extensive electrochemical facilities and expert mentorship, supporting the applicant’s goal of building an independent research profile and establishing a research group in Germany.

• DFG Programme: WBP Fellowship
• International Connection: Switzerland
• Host: Professorin Dr. Maria R. Lukatskaya