Depolymerization catalyst of polymer comprising ester functional group, and depolymerization method using same

A depolymerization method for a polymer comprising an ester functional group, the method comprising:

• contacting a polymer comprising the ester functional group with a mixture comprising (1) an alcohol, (2) potassium carbonate (K2CO3) serving as a catalyst, and (3) a polar aprotic solvent so as to cause a depolymerization reaction of the polymer,
• wherein the depolymerization reaction is carried out at a reaction temperature of 10° C. to 80° C. under conditions such that the potassium carbonate is present as a heterogeneous solid phase in the mixture, and
• wherein the method further comprises, after the depolymerization reaction, separating from the reaction mixture a solid undissolved in the reaction mixture by filtration, the solid comprising potassium carbonate.