Fluoropolymers plays a critical and irreplaceable material in renewable energy applications. They are critical part in addressing climate change by powering an energy transition that leads to a cleaner, cost-effective, long lasting solution and more prosperous world for all. Like Lithium-ion batteries are currently the most advanced power sources for portable electronic applications which range from mobile phones, tablets, and laptops, to electric cars, satellites, planetary explorers, and pacemakers. Among the polymers, fluoropolymers like poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and its copolymers like PVDF-TrFE, PVDF-HFP, and PVDF-CTFE based energy applications have made a major contribution in the field of alternative energies, one of which is the fuel cell which is drawing attention as a good alternative energy resource.
In addition to the fluorinated lithium salt LiPF6 being the most widely used solute in liquid and gel-type electrolytes, PVDF and FEP are used as binders for both the negative (anode) and positive (cathode) electrodes in nearly all commercial lithium batteries. A range of fluoroplastics are used in the nuclear industry to handle highly corrosive liquids and reactive uranium derivatives, and are used in a similar manner today as when they were developed for the Manhattan project during World War II. As energy demands increase the need for localised power storage will rise accordingly making the link between solar power and battery storage all the more important. Fluoropolymers are seen as critical in both areas if future energy needs are to be sustainably met.
