Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) as a frontier organic/inorganic hybrid material with multiple structures has exhibited great potential in robust property extension in the past decade because of its stable cage structure and flexible modification. Recent research on the design strategies of modifying T8‐POSS and various T8‐POSS deviations has inspired the emergence of multidisciplinary applications. In this review, we describe the most common synthetic methods of T8‐POSS, including monofunctional and octafunctional POSS deviations, and then discuss some frequently combined groups' properties, such as POSS‐cyclodextrin, POSS‐azobenzene, base‐pair ending POSS and POSS‐copolymer, and classify them based on their self‐assembly driving force. Moreover, these designations serve as advanced interactive machines with humans, including drug delivery systems, fluorescent probes, sensors and stretchable devices. Finally, we describe the prospects and challenges of the application of the expansion of smart POSS interactive materials. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.

Different from the traditional concepts that binary photonic crystals can only reproduce mixed colors due to the simple superposition of the photonic bandgaps, precisely addressable “true colors” obtained from volume...

Contrary to popular belief that multicomponent assembly systems will theoretically co-assemble under the same type of driving forces, two distinct assembly modes from a system composed of two chemically similar...

The fabrication of biodegradable superabsorbent hydrogels (SAHs) with a high absorption capacity and robust gel strength at an acceptable cost remains challenging. In this study, a series of hyperbranched polyether crosslinkers were designed and employed as effective crosslinkers to create feasible, high-performance superabsorbent hydrogels that are environmentally friendly. The hydrogel materials achieved greater strength compared with traditional hydrogels by using hyperbranched polyether to create a homogenous and strongly crosslinked polymer network. In addition, it was determined that the addition of modified sodium lignosulfonate improved several characteristics of traditional hydrogels, including the absorption and fixation of water, and that the produced hydrogels have good antibacterial properties. According to an analysis of the structure–activity relationship, the resultant SAHs achieve greater saturated gel strength (∼2 kPa) and swelling capacities (91.6 g/g in normal saline) compared with commercial products. This study provides a promising approach for the fabrication of biodegradable SAHs owing to its varied engineering applications, low cost, and good environmental profile.

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