High–performance, multifunctional sustainable polycarbonates and application in negative–type photoresists

[Display omitted] •A scalable, functional bio-based bisphenol monomer was synthesized.•A series of customizable bio-based polycarbonates(bio-PCs) were prepared.•The clusteroluminescence of the monomer and polymer were thoroughly investigated.•A functional bio-based negative photoresist was developed based on the bio-PCs. Global environmental crises and energy depletion have spurred the development of sustainable plastics from renewable resources. However, the application of these materials is frequently hindered by complex production processes and their subpar performance compared to conventional plastics. In this study, we introduce a scalable bio–based bisphenol monomer and synthesize sustainable polycarbonates (PCs) using melt polymerization with diphenyl carbonate, a CO2 derivative, and bio–based toughening components. These PCs offer customizable thermal and mechanical properties, with a peak glass transition temperature of 95.5 °C and a maximum tensile strength of 63.1 MPa, outperforming commercial plastics such as polystyrene. The triphenylmethane structure in PCs enables excellent clusteroluminescence properties, enabling the development of inks for information encryption and optical anti–counterfeiting applications. Based on the CTE properties of bio–PCs, we further develop a functional bio–based negative photoresist (bio–NP), which demonstrate potential for semiconductor manufacturing (a high resolution of 3 μm) and optical storage applications (their clusteroluminescence effect). This work establishes a new paradigm for developing high–performance bio–based polymers and exploring their high–value applications.