Nanofabrication with metallopolymers ‐ recent developments and future perspectives

Abstract Synthetic polymers containing metals and metal centers have experienced rapid growth in the last two decades. Metal‐containing polymers have an unprecedented role to play in modern high‐tech applications including nanomanufacturing, sensing, separation and catalysis. Advancement in synthetic strategies for macromolecules has enabled the synthesis of novel, exotic and use‐inspired metallopolymers. Using state‐of‐the‐art design strategies, it is now possible to perform targeted synthesis of macromolecules with varied complexity that contain a range of metal centers either in the backbone or in the side chains of the organic moiety. The presence of an inorganic element (metals and metal centers) in organic moieties has led to a number of new physicochemical properties while implementing novel functionality to the polymer matrix. This review covers nanotechnology influenced by distinctive features of metal‐containing macromolecular systems, particularly in developing flexible, functional materials. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry