Twin Polymerization: A Unique Strategy towards Versatile Functional Materials

Abstract

AbstractTwin polymerization (=TP), a non‐aqueous synthetic methodology for the preparation of inorganic‐organic hybrid materials, by using, for example, salicylic‐ or furfurylic‐functionalized main‐group elements and/or transition metal‐based twin monomers, results in the formation of interpenetrating phase (nano)domains in a single step. The chemical, analytical and physical properties including theoretical studies of the (co)polymerization process of the respective twin monomers, polymers and the as‐generated hybrid and composite materials are described. Furthermore, the synthesis of hierarchical materials such as carbon hollow spheres as well as the encapsulation of nanoparticles (=NPs) within them by applying TP is envisaged. TP gives access to a wide range of applications (e. g., coatings for a variety of substrates, textile functionalization, carbon materials for Li−S or redox‐flow batteries) which will be discussed herein. The use of NP‐decorated hybrid and composite materials and nanoparticular MgO as catalysts in heterogeneous catalysis is reported as well.