Supramolecular Polymers based on Pillararenes

The development of supramolecular polymers has expanded their applications in various fields such as biology, medicine and materials. Among the various types of supramolecular polymer, macrocycle-based supramolecular polymers receive great attention because of their useful properties and applications. Pillararenes are a novel class of macrocycles that have unique structures and host–guest properties. Significantly, pillararenes have been widely used in the construction of various supramolecular systems, especially supramolecular polymers. In this chapter, recent advances in pillararene-based supramolecular polymers are summarized in four sections: the self-assembly of mono-functionalized pillararenes (including self-inclusion complexes, cyclic dimers, and supramolecular polymers); linear supramolecular polymers based on pillararenes; supramolecular polymer networks based on pillararenes; and pillararene-based poly(pseudo)rotaxanes on polymer chains. These outstanding studies are focused on stimuli-responsive polymers, supramolecular gels, molecular devices, and the modification of polymeric materials, which show a bright future for pillararene-based supramolecular polymers.