Metal-Containing Polymers: Building Blocks for Functional (Nano)Materials

• Published in: Macromolecular rapid communications. Vol. 31; no. 4; pp. 331 - 350
• Main Authors: Wang, Xiaosong, McHale, Ronan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim WILEY-VCH Verlag 16.02.2010; WILEY‐VCH Verlag; Wiley
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Exploration; functionalization of polymers; gels; Inorganic and organomineral polymers; Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Nanostructure; Physicochemistry of polymers; Polymerization; Polymers; Preparation; Self assembly; structure; supramolecular structures; polymerization; State of the art; Structural member; Polychelate; gels; supramolecular structures; Organometallic polymer; Preparation; functionalization of polymers; Nanostructured materials; structure
• ISSN: 1022-1336; 1521-3927; 1521-3927
• DOI: 10.1002/marc.200900558

The incorporation of metallic units into polymer chains has emerged as a promising route towards functional metal‐containing (nano)materials. The resulting polymers possess rich functions derived from their metallic elements, such as redox, optical, catalytic and magnetic properties. In addition, the directional and dynamic nature of metal coordination interactions provides further variables for the exploration of novel materials with designed nanostructures. These types of polymers can be synthesized through direct metal‐ligand coordination or chain polymerization of metal containing monomers. Depending on the polymerization techniques and starting components, the resulting polymers, akin to their organic counterparts, can be produced in the form of insoluble networks, processible chain structures, gels or colloids. Research into this rising multidisciplinary subject has benefited from recent progress in several related areas such as supramolecular chemistry, colloidal chemistry etc., with the combination of the relative merits of each ensuring further developments in each individual discipline. For example, as a result of studies into organometallic block copolymers self‐assembly behavior, living supramolecular polymerization has been unprecedentedly realized for the architectural design of micelles (see image on the right). Nevertheless, the field is still in a developmental stage and offers ample opportunities for fundamental research, as well as material exploration. In this Feature Article, we intend to overview the field with a brief survey of recent literature. Metal containing polymers have emerged as a route for the synthesis of functional supramolecular (nano)materials. Such polymers possess a range of functions associated with the incorporated metal units and can be prepared in the form of insoluble crystalline porous solids, processible main chain polymers, gels and colloids. Developing synthetic and supramolecular chemistry for controlled preparation has been regarded as a major challenge to propel the field to the next level. This Feature Article provides a concise overview of recent progress in the field.