Exploiting multimetallic catalysts to access polymer materials from CO2

Polycarbonates and polyurethanes derived from CO2 have the potential to consume a greenhouse gas and convert it into value added polymer products. To be commercially viable, these processes are dependent on the development of highly efficient polymerization catalysts, which are often multimetallic. One emerging method to improve catalyst efficiency is through the design of co-operative, mixed-metal catalysts. Such heterometallic, homogenous catalysts have shown significantly improved performance metrics for CO2/epoxide ring-opening copolymerization, in comparison to their homometallic analogues. This perspective highlights the recently realized reactivity enhancements achieved using multimetallic catalysts, along with the material properties and scope of CO2-derived polymers.