The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

Biodegradable radical-containing polymers offer unique redox properties and sustainability, making them promising candidates for advanced electronics and energy storage. We present recent synthetic strategies for polycaprolactone (PCL)-based radical polymers functionalized with TEMPO radicals, highlighting their tunable biodegradability and redox functionality. These polymers serve as environmentally friendly cathodes in lithium-ion batteries, delivering excellent electrochemical performance and efficient degradation into benign, water-soluble byproducts. Additionally, their intrinsic memristive characteristics enable applications in physically transient electronics, combining high performance, flexibility, and complete aqueous dissolution. This work establishes a versatile platform for next-generation eco-friendly wearable and implantable technologies.