Supramolecular hyperbranched polymers.

Abstract

Supramolecular polymers with topological structures offer a new way for creating novel supramolecular polymer species and smart materials. As one special class of supramolecular topological polymers, supramolecular hyperbranched polymers (SHPs), combining the advantages of supramolecular polymers and hyperbranched polymers, have attracted interest due to their unique chemical and physical properties and potential application in many fields such as biochemistry, medicine, and materials science. SHPs exhibit the apparent merits of a reversible and tunable nature, three-dimensional topological structure, high solubility, and plenty of terminal groups. The positive cooperativity generated from the hyperbranched topological structure and supramolecular interactions may further endow SHPs with enhanced properties and functions. This feature article highlights the recent advances and future trends in SHPs depending on two different construction methodologies including a direct strategy and an indirect approach. Various hyperbranched architectures, responsive and functional features, self-assembly, and potential applications are comprehensively discussed.