Exploiting multimetallic catalysts to accesspolymer materials from CO2

摘要

Polycarbonates and polyurethanes derived from carbon dioxide (CO2) have the potential to consume this greenhousegas and convert it into value-added polymer products. Such materials have a range of applications includingcoatings, adhesives, elastomers and construction materials. To be commercially viable, these processes aredependent on the development of highly efficient polymerization catalysts. These catalysts are often multimetallic,and based on a well-defined ligand system. One emerging method for improving catalyst efficiency is through thedesign of co-operative, mixed-metal catalysts. Such heterometallic, homogenous catalysts have shown significantlyimproved performance metrics for carbon dioxide/epoxide ring-opening copolymerization, in comparison to theirhomometallic analogues. This perspective highlights the recently realized reactivity enhancements achieved usingmultimetallic catalysts. The material properties and scope of carbon dioxide-based polycarbonates are also discussed,including those synthesized from petrochemical-derived and bio-derived epoxides. Renewable carbon dioxide sourcesare key for this technology to be truly sustainable, and catalyst design has recently enabled the conversion ofimpure, captured waste carbon dioxide to polycarbonates.