Supramolecular Polymerization and Self-assembly of Transition Metal Complexes

Metallo-supramolecular polymers (MSPs) have emerged as a dynamic field in soft materials and nanomaterials over the past three decades. The unique interplay of ligands and metal ions plays a crucial role in defining their properties, such as binding strength and topology making these systems distinct from their all-organic counterparts. Furthermore, the incorporation of metal centers introduces redox activity, unique photophysical properties, and electronic functionality. Hereby the systems can exhibit stimuli-responsive behavior, essential for applications in optoelectronics and biology. However, challenges remain in achieving precise control over self-assembly, morphology, and spatiotemporal responsiveness as well as a clear rationale between coordination and self-assembly behavior. Our review therefore summarizes recent advances in ligand design, coordination modulation, and polymerization techniques offering new strategies to rationally develop MSPs with tailored functionalities