Abstract: Poly(cyclic acetal)s, methods of making same, and uses of same. The poly(cyclic acetal)s may have a number average molecular weight (Mn) of 10 to 3000 kiloDaltons (kDa) and over 50% of the chain ends may exclude hydroxyl groups. The poly(cyclic acetal) may be a homopolymer or copolymer(s) of poly(1,3-dioxolane) (PDXL). The poly(cyclic acetal)s may have one or more or all of: a thermal stability (Td,5%) of 337° C. to 392° C.; a thermal stability of (Td.50%) of 377° C. to 462° C.; or an Arrhenius activation energy (Ea) of 85.0 kJ/mol with 2 mol % of strong acid (e.g., pKa less than or equal to 4). Methods of polymerizing poly(cyclic acetal)s may comprise reacting cyclic acetal monomers with either Lewis acid catalysts and haloalkyl ether initiators or organic cation salt catalyst(s) and proton traps. Methods of chemically recycling poly(cyclic acetal)s into cyclic acetals may react poly(cyclic acetal)s with strong acids.

Abstract: Solid-polymer electrolytes, methods of making solid-polymer electrolytes, and uses of solid-polymer electrolytes. A solid-polymer electrolyte comprises a cross-linked polymer network. A cross-linked polymer network may comprise a plurality of groups, which may be cross-linked groups, such as, for example, cross-linked difunctional polyether groups, cross-linked difunctional ionic groups, non-crosslinked groups, which may be referred to as “dangling” groups, or a combination thereof, and a plurality of cross-linked multifunctional crosslinker groups. A solid polymer electrolyte can be formed by polymerization. A solid polymer electrolyte can be formed in situ in a device. A solid polymer electrolyte can be used in devices such as, for example, batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells, and the like.

Abstract: Provided are catalysts, methods of making catalysts, methods of using catalysts, and copolymers made utilizing the catalysts. The catalyst has a metal salen complex group, a bridging group, and one or more co-catalyst groups. The metal salen complex group is attached to the bridging group and the bridging group is attached to the co-catalyst group. The copolymers made utilizing the catalysts are polyesters or polycarbonates.

Abstract: Provided are catalysts, methods of making catalysts, methods of using catalysts, and copolymers made utilizing the catalysts. The catalyst has a metal salen complex group, a bridging group, and one or more co-catalyst groups. The metal salen complex group is attached to the bridging group and the bridging group is attached to the co-catalyst group. The copolymers made utilizing the catalysts are polyesters or polycarbonates.