Electrospinning for catalyst immobilization in waste polylactide processing

We describe the design, fabrication, and development of polymeric mats with immobilized calcium oxide (CaO) catalyst for the production of environmentally friendly biosolvents. The polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber mat was created using the electrospinning technique, which physically entrapped CaO particles within the fibers. This immobilized CaO catalyst was successfully employed in the transesterification of waste polylactide into lactic acid methyl esters (MeLa). The CaO particles embedded in the PAN fibers could be reused up to six times for converting waste polyester into biosolvent. The electrospinning technique enables the production of easily separable and reusable catalysts, offering a sustainable approach for converting waste polylactide into biosolvents that are highly demanded in the industry and have diverse applications. • Polymeric mats with CaO catalyst for eco-friendly biosolvents. • PAN fiber mats with CaO particles using electrospinning. • CaO catalyst converts waste polylactide to MeLa. • Reusable CaO in PAN fibers converts waste polyester. • Electrospinning makes separable, reusable catalysts. • Converts waste polylactide to in-demand biosolvents