Recent Advances in Metal–Macrocycle-BasedSupramolecular Polymers and Their Assemblies
Abstract
Metal–macrocycle-based supramolecular polymers represent a frontier in smart materials, seamlessly integrating the highly tunable architectures of metal–organic macrocycles with the dynamic properties of hierarchical assemblies. This Review comprehensively evaluates recent advances in the coordination-driven synthesis and self-assembly of these tailored materials. By employing specific transition metal nodes (e.g., Pt, Pd, Fe), researchers can precisely engineer macrocyclic topologies while embedding intrinsic photophysical, electrochemical, and catalytic functionalities. We systematically analyze how secondary noncovalent interactions—such as host–guest recognition and hydrogen bonding—propel the hierarchical assembly of these building blocks from discrete molecular entities to macroscopic functional materials. Furthermore, we highlight how the dynamic nature of coordination bonds endows these assemblies with remarkable stimuli-responsiveness and self-adaptive capabilities. Finally, we discuss cutting-edge applications in biomedicine, smart sensing, and heterogeneous catalysis, alongside a critical perspective on the current bottlenecks and future directions necessary for translating these bespoke supramolecular systems into practical technologies.