Water compatible supramolecular polymers: recent progress

Abstract

In this review, we summarize the chemistry of water compatible supramolecular polymers (WCSPs) based on the core supramolecular approaches at play, namely hydrogen-bonding arrays, electrostatic interactions, large π-conjugated subunits, host–guest interactions, and peptide-based systems, respectively. We discuss both synthesis and polymer structure, as well as the underlying design expectations and potential applications.

Multicharged cyclodextrin supramolecular assemblies

“…In addition, the electrostatic interaction as a kind of supramolecular interaction is widely used in molecular assembly. [115][116][117][118] Interactions occur between oppositely charged groups, and the interaction energy is proportional to the number of charges carried by the groups. [119][120][121][122][123] Therefore, most reported positively charged functional groups (imidazolium salts, 124 ammonium salts, 125,126 guanidinium salts, 127 etc.)…”

Multi-TpyCo2+-based conductive supramolecular hydrogels constructed by “bridge bonds” for rechargeable Zn-air batteries with ultrastable cycling stability over 1100 h

“…13 As one of the most important exible materials, supramolecular hydrogels have exhibited unique potential in organic synthesis and renewable energy applications, especially in electrocatalysis. 14 The emergence of various newly developed supramolecular gels (e.g., organic-inorganic nanocomposites, 15,16 host-guest interaction polymers, 17,18 and lowmolecular-weight gelators (LMWGs)) 19,20 provides various synthetic methodologies to construct novel and desirable 3D networks. LMWGs signicantly change the construction model of gels, providing supramolecular gels with attractive physicochemical properties.…”

“…14 The emergence of various newly developed supramolecular gels ( e.g. , organic-inorganic nanocomposites, 15,16 host–guest interaction polymers, 17,18 and low-molecular-weight gelators (LMWGs)) 19,20 provides various synthetic methodologies to construct novel and desirable 3D networks. LMWGs significantly change the construction model of gels, providing supramolecular gels with attractive physicochemical properties.…”

Cyclodextrin-pillar[n]arene hybridized macrocyclic systems

“…9,10 Actually, due to its nano-sized hydrophobic cavity, rigid and particular aqueous solubility and biocompatibility, 13 CD could be used widely in biomedicines such as drug delivery and pharmaceutical, [14][15][16] chemical industries and environmental engineering, 17,18 as well as food and agriculture. 19,20 In contrast to the water-soluble CD as a host molecule, 21,22 pillar[n]arene, [23][24][25] another pillar-like rigid macrocyclic compound repeatedly connected by methylene bridges (-CH 2 -) at the para-positions of hydroquinone/dialkoxybenzene (Chart 1), exhibits a hydrophobic core sandwiched between two functionalizable rims, 26 making it potentially having diverse hostguest interactions via the electron-donating cavity in organic and aqueous solvents. 4,27 After particular chemical modification on both rims with functional groups, 28,29 pillar[n]arene can become a promising candidate for applications to ionic channels, 30,31 nonporous adaptive crystalline materials, 32,33 diagnostic and cancer therapy, 34,35 as well as stimuli-responsive topological nanomaterials.…”