Biochar‐Supported Cu‐MOF as a Highly Efficient Catalyst for the Condensation of L ‐Lactic Acid to L ‐Lactide

ABSTRACT

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a key biodegradable polymer for green manufacturing. L ‐Lactide, the essential intermediate for PLA synthesis, urgently requires efficient and sustainable catalytic production. In this study, a chicken manure‐derived biochar‐supported Cu‐MOF (HKUST‐1@biochar) was fabricated as a novel heterogeneous catalyst for L ‐lactic acid condensation to L ‐lactide. The biochar support significantly exposed active Cu ^{2 +} sites and boosted catalytic efficiency. The catalyst afforded L ‐lactide with 73.3% yield and 97.8% optical purity, and maintained high activity over five recycling runs. This work achieves waste valorization and green catalysis simultaneously, offering a practical, low‐cost route for industrial L ‐lactide production.