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Synlett
DOI: 10.1055/a-2790-8151
Perspectives

Carbon Dioxide Derived Materials

Authors

  • Tu Anh Tran

    1   Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark (Ringgold ID: RIN4321)

  • Chaodi Dai

    2   Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark (Ringgold ID: RIN4321)

  • Craig Day 

    2   Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark (Ringgold ID: RIN4321)

Supported by: Novo Nordisk Foundation NNF24OC0089906
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This perspective evaluates pathways for carbon dioxide utilization in polymer science. While direct CO₂ copolymerization with simple epoxides is technologically mature, the resulting aliphatic polycarbonates have found only niche markets due to their poor material properties. Promising alternatives include polymerization reactions that move beyond epoxides or synthesizing CO₂-derived monomers, which can be polymerized into high-value materials. The key conclusion is that to significantly impact CO₂ emissions, research must prioritize replacing high-volume commodity plastics, focusing on matching their properties rather than simply maximizing the weight percentage of incorporated CO₂.



Publication History

Received: 04 December 2025

Accepted after revision: 16 January 2026

Accepted Manuscript online:
16 January 2026

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