The self-assembly polymerization of ditopic macromolecules through metal−ligand binding is an attractive framework for the preparation of high-molecular-weight metallo-supramolecular polymers. This approach was utilized here for the polymerization of a conjugated macromonomer (1) that was derived by functionalizing a low-molecular-weight poly(2,5-dialkoxy-p-phenylene ethynylene) (PPE) core with 2,6-bis(1‘-methylbenzimidazolyl)pyridine (Mebip) ligands on the two terminal positions. To minimize electronic interactions between the PPE moieties and the metal−ligand complexes, nonconjugated hexamethylene spacers were introduced between the PPE and Mebip building blocks. The supramolecular polymerization of macromonomer 1 with equimolar amounts of Zn2+ or Fe2+ resulted in polymers, which exhibit appreciable mechanical properties (loss moduli of [1·Zn(ClO4)2] n and [1·Fe(ClO4)2] n at 25 °C are ca. 450 and 610 MPa, respectively), but on account of their dynamic, reversible nature offer the ease of processing of low-molecular-weight compounds. The optoelectronic properties of these metallopolymers are similar to those of the parent PPE and demonstrate that the functionalities of semiconducting building blocks and coordination chain extenders can be effectively decoupled by a short, nonconjugated spacer.

Molecular model kits have been used in chemistry classrooms for decades but have seen very little recent innovation. Using 3D printing, three sets of physical models were created for a first semester, introductory chemistry course. Students manipulated these interactive models during class activities as a supplement to existing teaching tools for learning typically difficult concepts that currently lack physical models: the Bohr model of the atom, bond polarity, and hybridization. The results from student surveys show that these easy-to-produce models have a positive impact on students’ perceptions of learning.

Attempts to create hierarchically structured, uniaxially oriented nanocomposites comprising cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs), which promise anisotropic mechanical properties, are exceedingly rare. We report here the fabrication of uniaxially‐oriented arrays of microfibers based on poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and CNWs by electrospinning. Compared with the neat PEO fibers, the incorporation of CNWs within the fibers increased the storage modulus (E′) of arrays along the fiber axis of the PEO/CNW nanocomposite fibers. Successful incorporation of the CNWs within each of the as‐spun PEO/CNW nanocomposite fibers in the direction parallel to the fiber axis was verified by both scanning and transmission electron microscopy.