Supramolecular polymers, in contrast to macromolecules in which structural units are linked through covalent bonds, are designed using additive noncovalent bonds that are tunable over a very broad range of binding energies encoded in the molecular structure of their “mers”. These systems are ideal to achieve dynamic functions that include reversible formation of structures, adaptive behavior in a specific environment, and self-repair of defects, among others. Despite advances in this field, a major gap is the design of “hybrid” materials that rationally integrate covalent and supramolecular polymers, a concept that is used to craft function in the structures of living organisms. This lecture will describe first systems based on the co-assembly of small molecules and polymers that yield reversible superstructures linked to mechanical and biological functions. The lecture will also describe other systems inspired by muscles that are capable of transducing thermal to mechanical energy, light to mechanical energy, and light to chemical energy in photocatalytic hybrid materials.

Functional integration of covalent and supramolecular polymers

2019 Fall National Meeting

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