Chemistry and processes of typical bio-based polyether polyols toward green synthesis: A review

Polyether polyols (PEPs) are crucial raw materials for synthesizing polyurethanes (PUs). Commercial PEPs are predominantly classified as petroleum-based or bio-based. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in the synthesis of representative bio-based PEPs, focusing on biomass-derived and bio-based feedstocks. Key advances have been reviewed including catalytic polymerization of carbon dioxide with epoxidized vegetable oils, lignin depolymerization, bio-based 1,3-propanediol, and hydrogenation of fatty acid-derived diols for PEPs production. Challenges and future prospects of bio-based PEPs are critically examined. Nevertheless, the development of bio-PEPs faces persistent challenges including suboptimal production efficiency and by-product suppression. Future research should focus on enhancing efficiency and sustainability through: (i) improvement of CO₂-epoxidized vegetable oil polymerization; (ii) expanded use of biomass feedstocks (e.g., lignin-derived PEPs); and (iii) optimization of production processes for bio-based chemicals like 1,3-propanediol. These advancements demonstrate the potential of bio-based PEPs to replace petroleum-derived materials, reduce environmental impact, and advance circular economy principles in polymer chemistry.