Polyrotaxane‐Based Functional Materials Enabled by Molecular Mobility and Conformational Transition^†

Abstract

Comprehensive SummarySlide‐ring structured polyrotaxanes with high molecular mobility and reversible conformational transition ability can achieve high performance and multifunctionality of the material in various applications. There have been many reviews describing advances in the research of rotaxanes and polyrotaxanes. However, most of them typically focus on the precise synthesis of mechanically interlocked molecules and the control of microscopic molecular shuttles. In this review, we examine the effects of motion activity and conformational transition due to molecular slide on the performance of polyrotaxanes and the latest functional applications. Different designs of polyrotaxane‐based functional materials are presented to improve the potential for applications including self‐healing stretchable elastomers/gels, stimuli‐responsive smart devices, battery electrode binders, and biomedical drug delivery. It is anticipated that this review will provide insights and guidance for future developments in the design, synthesis and application of polyrotaxane‐based functional materials.

High-Molecular-Weight Poly[2]catenanes Prepared by Hydroxyl-Alkyne Click Chemistry

“…Meanwhile, the appearance of C�C carbon atoms resonated at 159.15 and 103.15 ppm were observed. 35 Upon applying 13 C NMR to other polymers constructed from M1 and M2 in different concentrations, similar results were also observed (Figure S20). These results further provided evidence for the formation of poly[2]catenanes.…”

“…The synthesis route of M1 was shown in Supporting Information, Scheme S1. The structures of M1, precursors, and M2 38 were confirmed by 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, and highresolution mass spectrum (Figures S1−S16). M3 was synthesized according to the literature 39 and analyzed by 1 H NMR and 13 C NMR (Figures S21 and S22).…”

“…Mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) − originated from two or more components connecting by mechanical bonds − in a topological way. , Due to the noncovalent binding, MIMs possess high degrees of conformational freedom and permanent spatial association. , As a representative example among MIMs, catenane − consists of two or more rings interlocked together via mechanical bonds. There are a series of motion modes in catenane structures, including elongation, ring twisting, and ring rotation, which provide the molecule with high degrees of freedom and mobility.…”

“…1,2-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,2-stilbene was functionalized by propiolic acid to form M3, with which M1 could react to obtain poly([2]catenane-alt-TPE) (Figure 8a, Scheme S3). 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, FT-IR, and GPC were utilized to characterize poly([2]catenane-alt-TPE) (Figures S23−S25, S27, and S39). In this way, AIE moiety TPE was successfully incorporated into poly([2]catenane-alt-TPE), making poly[2]catenane AIEactive.…”

“…The details of the reaction process was shown in the Supporting Information (Scheme S2). The polymer was characterized by 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, and IR (Figures 2−4). First, 1 H NMR was applied to M1, M2, and the polymer obtained by the reaction of M1 (200 mM) and M2 (200 mM) (Figures 2 and S17).…”