Carbon Dioxide Switchable Polymers – Recent Developments and Emerging Applications

摘要

Carbon dioxide has emerged as an alternative trigger for stimuli-responsive or “switchable” materials that has unique advantages compared to conventional triggers. The principles of CO_2 switching have been applied to a wide range of materials and processes, including polymeric materials and polymerization processes. This Perspective briefly reviews the types of polymer materials that have been made CO_2-switchable, and the types of processes where CO_2 switching has been utilized to address process-related challenges such as catalyst recovery. Recent research is then highlighted conducted in the groups on a range of new switchable polymers and processes, emphasizing emerging applications where CO_2 switching may offer novel solutions and opportunities for commercial development.