Recent Advances in the Research of Biobased Polymers and the Catalytic Application of Ionic Liquids in Their Synthesis

In the 21st century, the global environment and resources are encountering significant challenges, leading to a growing emphasis on sustainable development. As a result, there has been a surge of interest in the development and industrialization of biobased polyesters as an alternative to petroleum-based polymers. Key monomers for biobased polyesters, such as isosorbide, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, and lactic acid, can be derived from sources like grain starch, glucose, and straw. While biobased materials offer potential advantages over petroleum-based polymers, including superior biodegradability, mechanical properties, and processing characteristics, they still face limitations such as low molecular weight, poor toughness, slow crystallization rates, and inadequate stability during use. To overcome these challenges, researchers have explored various approaches, including modifying reaction conditions and utilizing copolymerization and blending techniques, to enhance the industrial viability of biobased polyesters. This paper provides a comprehensive review of recent advancements in the synthesis of biobased polyesters, strategies for addressing performance deficiencies in biobased materials, and the potential of utilizing greener ionic liquid catalysts in biobased polyester applications.