Recent advances in fluorinated polymers: synthesis and diverse applications

Fluorinated polymers exhibit a unique combination of attributes, including chemical inertness, low surface energy, exceptional weather resistance, and intriguing electrical properties. This mini review provides an overview of recent advancements in the research of fluorinated polymers, highlighting the development of synthetic strategies for novel fluorinated polymers and their diverse applications in various fields. Traditional fluorinated polyolefins can be modified through chemical methods to produce functional materials. Copolymerization of fluorinated olefins with non-fluorinated monomers effectively addresses synthesis challenges, yielding main-chain fluoro-containing polymers with specific functional groups. Additionally, recent studies have revealed that free radical (co)polymerization of fluorinated (meth)acrylate monomers leads to new fluorinated polymers with enhanced solubility, processability, and structural diversity. Capitalizing on these new synthetic strategies, a range of fluorinated polymer materials has been developed for a multitude of applications, including flexible electrodes, alternating current (AC) electroluminescent devices, energy storage capacitors, triboelectric nanogenerators, and lithium batteries. With their customized structures and excellent properties, fluorinated polymers hold significant promise to uncover more potential applications in the era of flexible and wearable electronics.