Inorganic backbone polymer

Abstract

The field of polymer science has long been dominated by carbon-based backbone structures. Although traditional inorganic material-based polymers have found applications in specific areas, their diversity in composition and structure remains limited. This perspective introduces the concept of inorganic backbone polymers, which are polymer analogs whose backbones consist of inorganic materials, assisted by organic ligands for structural assembly and stabilization. This definition transcends the boundaries of classical organic polymers and traditional inorganic polymers. Here, we will elaborate on how the methods, represented by liquid-phase synthesis strategies, enable precise control over the composition and structure of such materials at the sub-nanometer scale. Furthermore, we will discuss how the interfacial engineering strategies, such as the utilization of dynamic covalent bonds, can impart macroscopic processability and functionality to these materials. Inorganic backbone polymers combine the advantages of an inorganic backbone core and polymer-like topology, endowing them with unique properties and application prospects in fields such as mechanics, optics, and catalysis. This article aims to introduce this emerging field of inorganic backbone polymers, showcase their strategic shift from serendipitous discovery toward rational design, and elucidate the potential to redefine the frontiers of polymer science and nanomaterial chemistry.