Recyclable dynamic polydisulfide materials for a sustainable future: progress, challenges, and perspectives

The degradation, recycling, and upcycling of waste plastics have become an increasingly severe global challenge. To address this issue, researchers are dedicated to exploring efficient new recycling methods for traditional plastics on one hand, and actively developing novel dynamic polymers with inherent recyclability on the other. Among the various dynamic covalent materials, dynamic disulfide materials have demonstrated significant potential in the field of recyclable materials, owing to their unique dynamic chemical bonding characteristics and their responsiveness to multiple stimuli (such as light, heat, acids, and bases). Based on the work of our research group, this paper will systematically introduce the recycling performance of 1,2-dithiolane-based dynamic polydisulfide materials under different stimulus conditions and delve into the strategies for condition optimization and screening during the recycling process. On this basis, we will summarize the main challenges these materials face in moving towards practical applications and provide an outlook on the prospects of recyclable dynamic dithiolane materials in terms of upcycling and functional reuse.