Metallo-polyelectrolytes as a class of ionic macromolecules for functional materials

The fields of soft polymers and macromolecular sciences have enjoyed a unique combination of metals and organic frameworks in the name of metallopolymers or organometallic polymers. When metallopolymers carry charged groups, they form a class of metal-containing polyelectrolytes or metallo-polyelectrolytes. This review identifies the unique properties and functions of metallo-polyelectrolytes compared with conventional organo-polyelectrolytes, in the hope of shedding light on the formation of functional materials with intriguing applications and potential benefits. It concludes with a critical perspective on the challenges and hurdles for metallo-polyelectrolytes, especially experimental quantitative analysis and theoretical modeling of ionic binding.

2,2′:6′,2′′-Terpyridine-functionalized redox-responsive hydrogels as a platform for multi responsive amphiphilic polymer membranes

Amphiphilic polymer co-networks were functionalized with spyropiran and terpyridine yielding multi-responsive membranes with switchable properties and potential applications in drug delivery and medical sensors.