Supramolecular Polymers Based on Hydrogen Bonds

Abstract

Supramolecular polymers are polymers where the monomeric units are held together by labile noncovalent interactions. Owing to the reversible nature of the noncovalent interactions, supramolecular polymers show prominent responses to various external stimuli such as temperature, light, mechanical stress and others, which is highly attractive as smart functional materials. In this review I introduced the definition, history, characteristic features and applications of supramolecular polymers, especially those based on multiple hydrogen bonds.