Inverse vulcanization utilizes alkenyl monomers and elemental sulfur, an excessive by-product of oil and gas refineries, to synthesize dynamically crosslinked sulfur-rich polymers, therefore providing a new way to construct sustainable and versatile materials. The inverse vulcanization of the biological extracts and natural polymers gives rise to a variety of bio-based polysulfides aligning with the concept of green chemistry. In this paper, the development of synthesis strategies, corresponding mechanisms, scope of renewable cross-linking agents, and the properties as well as the potential applications of polysulfides are reviewed. In particular, the progress in the preparation of various polysulfides from fossil resources to bio-based counterparts is deliberated with multiple modification methods elucidated. The bio-derived polysulfides are proved to be outstanding materials and prominent alternatives for traditional petroleum-based products especially for the use as effective ion absorbents, Li-S battery cathode materials, adhesives and controlled release fertilizers, etc. Finally, a few prospects and challenges about the future of these intriguing sulfur-based polymers are raised and discussed.

中文翻译：

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反向硫化向绿色和可持续实践的十年发展


逆向硫化利用烯基单体和元素硫（石油和天然气精炼厂的过量副产品）合成动态交联的富硫聚合物，从而为构建可持续和多功能材料提供了一种新方法。生物提取物和天然聚合物的逆硫化产生了各种符合绿色化学概念的生物基多硫化物。本文综述了多硫化物的合成策略开发、相应机制、可再生交联剂的范围以及多硫化物的性质和潜在应用。特别是，通过阐明多种改性方法，讨论了从化石资源到生物基对应物的各种多硫化物制备的进展。生物衍生的多硫化物被证明是传统石油基产品的出色材料和重要替代品，特别是用作有效的离子吸收剂、锂硫电池正极材料、粘合剂和控释肥料等。最后，提出并讨论了关于这些有趣的硫基聚合物未来的一些前景和挑战。