Progress in Synthesis of CO ₂ ‐Based Polycarbonate Diols and Their Application in Preparation of Different Types of Polyurethane

Polycarbonate diols (PCDLs) are a class of oligomers composed of carbonate repeating units and terminal hydroxyl groups, and essential precursors for high‐performance polycarbonate‐based polyurethanes (PCUs) which find widespread applications in biomedical devices, eco‐friendly coatings, high‐performance films, and protective equipment. This review provides a comprehensive and systematic summary of the synthesis of CO 2 ‐based PCDLs from CO 2 and epoxides catalyzed by homogeneous or heterogeneous catalytic systems. Furthermore, the applications of CO 2 ‐based PCDLs as raw materials in the preparation of different types of polyurethanes, including elastomers, waterborne dispersions, and plastics, are critically summarized, emphasizing their significant contributions to improving material performance and promoting sustainability. The key challenges faced with the development of CO 2 ‐based PCDLs technology have been concluded in their synthesis and performance. The future research directions are proposed for the promotion of PCDLs performance, expansion of application and reduction of costs. This review will provide support for the technology of PCDLs from the laboratory to full industrialization, and ultimately build a low‐carbon, high‐value polyurethane new material system.