Supramolecular polymer chemistry: From structural control to functional assembly

The interplay between polymer science and supramolecular chemistry leads to formation of various supramolecular polymeric systems. Owing to the dynamic nature of noncovalent interactions, supramolecular polymeric systems may be of abundant supramolecular structures, thus endowed with many fascinating properties and functions such as reversibility, adaptiveness, self-healing, and stimuli-responsiveness. In this trend article, we intend to highlight recent and important progresses in the area of supramolecular polymeric systems from structural control to functional assembly, focusing on supramolecular polymers with controllable architectures, covalent polymerization facilitated by supramolecular approaches as well as simultaneous covalent and noncovalent polymerization, and polymer self-assembly with highly ordered structures and unique functions. It is anticipated that this line of research will reflect the current status and future trends in this prosperously developing realm of supramolecular polymeric systems.