Supramolecular polymers

Supramolecular polymers have emerged as an exciting class of materials over the last three decades. Their solution and bulk properties are remarkably similar to those of traditional macromolecules, and yet these polymers are distinct in one key way: their monomers are linked together through non-covalent interactions, rather than through covalent bonds. These supramolecular interactions between monomers are highly directional—enabling self-assembly into long one-dimensional polymer structures—and can take the form of hydrogen bonds, aromatic stacking, host–guest interactions, and, in the case of metallo-supramolecular polymers, coordination bonds. The dynamic and reversible nature of such bonds imparts supramolecular polymers with highly desirable properties, including easier processing, the ability to repair, and recyclability, the latter of which is crucial for the sustainable development of polymers. With these advantages in mind, researchers have explored and showcased the applicability of supramolecular polymers to a variety of fields, such as shape-memory and self-healing materials, stimuli-responsive materials, optoelectronic materials, and biomedical applications.

This Collection aims to highlight recent progress in the field of supramolecular polymers, including (but not limited to) strategies and mechanisms for their controlled polymerization, approaches to characterization and modelling, study of their physical and mechanical properties, and demonstration of their potential applications. We welcome both fundamental and applied studies, as well as both experimental and theoretical research.

The Collection primarily welcomes original research papers, and we encourage submissions from all authors—and not by invitation only.