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CARBON

(under review - FAPESP/ results in August 2026)

Atmospheric CO₂

in Engineering Polymers

Global production of polyurethanes (PU), polyureas (PUU), and polycarbonates (PC) depends on routes based on phosgene and diisocyanates—reagents that are toxic, highly regulated, and whose manufacture and distribution rely on fossil fuels, contributing to climate change. Alternatives explored so far, such as replacing isocyanates with other reagents, face barriers related to reduced performance of the resulting polymers, while methods that use compressed CO₂ raise sustainability concerns because they depend on the packaging and transport of compressed CO₂.

The CARBON project introduces a distinct and previously unique strategy inspired by nature: using alkaline bicarbonates as in‑situ CO₂ generators for polycondensations with diols and diamines, enabling the synthesis of PU, PUU, and PC that are structurally identical to commercial materials—but without hazardous reagents or high‑pressure steps.

This route integrates with direct air capture (DAC) technologies, which capture CO₂ from the air and form bicarbonates as products, eliminating the need to release and recompress CO₂ and establishing a chemical cycle from CO₂ to polymer. Combining this new synthetic route with the use of abundant bio‑based monomers already applied at industrial scale expands the potential for carbon‑negative materials while maintaining mechanical and thermal properties compatible with high‑performance applications.

Thus, the expectation is to consolidate a versatile platform capable of converting atmospheric CO₂ into high‑value engineering plastics in a simple, sustainable, and scalable way.

Atmospheric CO₂ in Engineering Polymers

Carbon

Central idea: Use alkaline bicarbonates as in‑situ CO₂ generators for polycondensations with diols/diamines, producing polyurethanes, polyureas, and polycarbonates that are chemically identical to commercial ones — without phosgene/isocyanates and without high‑pressure steps. The route integrates direct air capture (DAC) and prioritizes bio‑based monomers, aiming for carbon‑negative materials.

Fronts:

(i) Passive DAC coupled to the reactor

(ii) Synthesis and catalysis for PC/PU/PUU

(iii) Reuse/recycling routes (chemical and mechanical)

(iv) LCA to guide decisions

Expected results: A scalable platform with engineering‑plastic performance and a lower carbon footprint, potentially carbon‑negative.

LPF PROJECTS

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CIRCLE - Control, Interface, Recycling, Catalysis, Life‑cycle, and Scaling

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Research

LPF Research Lines

Step‑Growth Polymerization

Sustainable and Circular Polymers

Amphiphilic Polymeric Systems

Focus: Transforming polycondensation/polyaddition reactions into controlled polymerization routes capable of producing polymers with low dispersity (Đ < 1.5), predefined chain architecture and functionality, and block copolymers (BCPs) with predetermined architectures.

Approaches: Polymerizations mediated by dynamic bonds (e.g., dynamic ureas), chain‑transfer strategies, and the design of chemical equilibria to control step‑growth polymerizations; synthesis of BCPs and evaluation of self‑assembly via SAXS/WAXS/microscopy. Our group stands out as the first research group in the world to develop a method with the potential to convert any step‑growth polymerization into a controlled polymerization — meaning it can potentially produce polyesters, polyamides, polyurethanes, polyureas, polycarbonates, and other heteroatom‑containing polymers (non‑carbon atoms in the backbone) in a controlled manner (Đ < 1.5, predefined architecture and molar mass).

Applications: Reversible adhesives, high‑performance polymeric materials for automotive, aerospace, and civil construction industries, films with well‑defined morphologies for separation membranes, conductive/insulating nanodomains, and materials for electronics.

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Focus: Synthesis and reprocessing/recycling (chemical and/or mechanical) of polymeric materials, integrating dynamic bonds, in‑situ‑generated CO₂ as a monomer/carbonyl source for various polymerizations, bio‑based monomers and matrices, and macromolecular design for circularity and low environmental impact.

Approaches: Catalysis and alternative synthetic routes that reduce carbon footprint and/or enable the insertion of labile bonds at strategic positions in polymer chains, allowing selective depolymerization. All routes/processes/materials developed will be evaluated through LCA (life‑cycle assessment) to determine the true sustainability of the processes and materials.

Applications: Reversible adhesives that allow bonding/debonding on demand while maintaining high performance over multiple cycles and enabling recycling of substrates (parts) after adhesive removal with little or no residue. Reprocessable thermosets and elastomers that retain performance after reprocessing.

Focus: Amphiphilic polymers for drug delivery and controlled release, as well as the development of macromolecular drugs.

Approaches: Studies of polymeric colloidal systems in biological fluids; development of macromolecular drugs using controlled polymerization routes.

Applications: DDS (drug delivery systems), macromolecular drugs, and biomaterials.

All research lines integrate principles of ethics, safety, responsible open science, and human development, with attention to diversity, inclusion, and cooperation.

Contact Us

Contact

For scientific partnerships, industry collaborations, and opportunities for undergraduate research, graduate studies, and postdoctoral positions:

  • lucaslpf@unicamp.br
  • Laboratório A-100 / Bloco A / Instituto de Química da Unicamp
  • +55 19 32510180

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