A Decade Development of Inverse Vulcanization Towards Green and Sustainable Practices

Abstract

Inverse vulcanization utilizes alkenyl monomers and elemental sulfur, an excessive by-product of oil and gas refineries, to synthesize dynamically crosslinked sulfur-rich polymers, therefore providing a new way to construct sustainable and versatile materials. The inverse vulcanization of the biological extracts and natural polymers gives rise to a variety of bio-based polysulfides aligning with the concept of green chemistry. In this paper, the development of synthesis strategies, corresponding mechanisms, scope of renewable cross-linking agents, and the properties as well as the potential applications of polysulfides are reviewed. In particular, the progress in the preparation of various polysulfides from fossil resources to bio-based counterparts is deliberated with multiple modification methods elucidated. The bio-derived polysulfides are proved to be outstanding materials and prominent alternatives for traditional petroleum-based products especially for the use as effective ion absorbents, Li-S battery cathode materials, adhesives and controlled release fertilizers, etc. Finally, a few prospects and challenges about the future of these intriguing sulfur-based polymers are raised and discussed.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Inverse vulcanization
• polysulfides
• renewable crosslinker
• biomass
• green chemistry
• elemental sulfur

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no competing interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was financially supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province of China (2022J011116). B. Zheng acknowledges the Project of Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province of China (2022J05041). H. Zhang acknowledges the National Natural Science Foundation of China (22172028).