Closed-Loop and Selective Recyclable Fluoro-Containing Graft Copolymers with Diverse Applications

The intrinsic chemically inert fluoropolymers, constitute a large portion of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), granting them unique properties and prolonged lifetime while also bring substantial environmental concerns. This study develops fluoro-containing graft copolymer with closed-loop and selective recyclability of side chains. The poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-chlorotrifluoroethylene) (PVDF-CTFE) backbone is modified via 4-vinylbenzyl alcohol (VBOH) units and then grafted by poly (trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) side chains, yielding the graft copolymer with improved ionic conductivity and enhanced mechanical robustness, demonstrating it as a polymer electrolyte for battery application. The selective deconstruction of PTMC side chains from graft copolymer affords the recycled backbone with a high dielectric constant and superior resistance to harsh environments, suitable for capacitor fabrication and anti-corrosion coating. The reconstructed graft copolymer exhibits comparable electrochemical performance for related applications. Such a strategy not only deals with PFAS-based polymeric wastes but also diversifies the application scenarios of typical copolymers.