Syntheses, properties, and applications of CO2-based functional polymers

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an abundant, inexpensive, nontoxic, and renewable C1 resource in organic synthesis. Converting CO2 into high-value-added fuels or materials has attracted broad interest. Using CO2 to construct polymeric materials is also highly desirable because, from them, carbonate, ester groups, etc., with many unique properties could be generated. In this review, we summarize current advances in the syntheses, properties, and applications of CO2-based functional polymers. On the basis of the introduction of CO2/epoxide, CO2/olefin, CO2/alkyne, CO2/isocyanide, and CO2/frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) polymerizations, diverse versatile properties and diverse applications of CO2-based polymers, such as superior thermal properties, aggregation-induced emission (AIE), amphipathy, and degradation, are summarized. Future focuses in CO2-based functional polymers are also discussed.