Other co-monomers have since been utilized,[21]
as well as
related creative methods for using molten sulfur.
[22] Overall
this work has outlined several interesting possibilities for
using polymers based on elemental sulfur in practical
applications, including as a cathode in lithium-sulfur (Li-S)
batteries, as copolymer films with tunable mechanical properties, and in the fabrication of infrared (IR) transmissive, high
refractive index polymers.
[13, 20] As a whole, this method points
toward a very cheap, environmentally beneficial, and useful
means by which to utilize the large stockpiles of elemental
sulfur lining the fields of oil refineries across the planet
(Figure 1).