Supramolecular Chemistry in Polymer Networks

Abstract

Cross-linked organic materials or polymer networks have found numerous applications and technologies that are indispensable in everyday life. Networks formed via molecular recognition events that act as noncovalent cross-linkers exhibit rather unusual properties due to the dynamic character and tunable strength of the supramolecular interactions. In the first instance, we aim to introduce and discuss complementary functional groups that have been developed to allow for reversible network formation in bulk supramolecular materials. Thereafter, this chapter deals mainly with network formation in macroscopic and particulate gels. In both parts, we highlight how material properties at the meso- and macroscopic scales are governed by noncovalent forces on the molecular level, and how supramolecular interactions can offer opportunities in the fabrication of stimuli-responsive materials. Lead examples and applications are highlighted throughout, for example, in the development of thermoplastic elastomers, coatings, tissue engineering, and drug delivery technologies

Functional Supramolecular Polymeric Networks: The Marriage of Covalent Polymers and Macrocycle-Based Host–Guest Interactions

“…Supramolecular polymeric networks (SPNs) are covalent polymers cross-linked by non-covalent interactions. − Compared to covalent bond cross-linked polymer networks, SPNs have appeal in terms of ease of recycling, experimental adaptability, and their ability to undergo self-healing after damage. ,− Due to the reversibility and stimuli-responsiveness endowed by their constituent non-covalent interactions, SPNs have attracted attention as smart materials in a number of fields, including in the construction of inter alia self-healing materials, drug delivery systems, memory retention materials, systems with high adhesion, and polymer-based electrolytes. − …”

The Amide Group as Modulator of Crystalline and Liquid Crystalline Structures in Isocyano-Alkylanilide Silver(I) Complexes

“…Silver­(I) is well-known to exhibit different types of coordination geometries (linear, bent, trigonal planar, T-shaped, tetrahedral, trigonal pyramidal, etc.) in its complexes with multitopic ligands, generating a variety of 1D, 2D, and 3D architectures. , These systems have been widely investigated for the rational design of functional solids on the basis of controlling intermolecular interactions and coordination bonds, − but not many examples are based on silver complexes with functionalized isocyanides. − These include complexes [AgX­(CNR)] (X = anionic ligand) with a wide structural diversity ranging from monomeric to polymeric structures and involving different coordination geometries of the silver atom, ,− and also a few cationic bis-isocyanide complexes [Ag­(CNR) 2 ]­X. − …”