Metal-Backboned Polymers: from Synthetic Methodologies to Structure-Property Insights

Yedong Qin; Zihao Zhao; Jizeng Liu; Jiayi Shen; Zhijing Wu; Kaiwen Zeng; Huisheng Peng

doi:10.1007/s10118-026-3850-z

Your Location：

Home >

Browse articles >

Metal-Backboned Polymers: from Synthetic Methodologies to Structure-Property Insights

FEATURE ARTICLE | Updated：2026-09-18

- Metal-Backboned Polymers: from Synthetic Methodologies to Structure-Property Insights
- Metal-Backboned Polymers: from Synthetic Methodologies to Structure-Property Insights
- Chinese Journal of Polymer Science 2026年44卷页码：1-9
- Affiliations：
  
  State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, and Institute of Fiber Materials and Devices, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- Author bio：
  
  zengkw@fudan.edu.cn (K.Z.)
  penghs@fudan.edu.cn (H.P.)
- Funds：
  
  This work was financially supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (Nos. 2022YFA1203001 and 2022YFA1203002), the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (No. 21511104900), and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. T2321003, 52573074, 22335003 and 524B1001).;Kaiwen Zeng is currently an Associate Professor at the Institute of Fiber Materials and Devices, Fudan University. He received his B.Sc. in Applied Chemistry at North University of China in 2015, and his Ph.D. in Applied Chemistry at East China University of Science & Technology in 2020. Following a postdoctoral appointment at Fudan University, he joined the faculty in 2024. His research focuses on the synthesis and application of novel materials, with a particular emphasis on metal-backboned polymers.Huisheng Peng received his B.E. in Polymer Materials at Donghua University in China in 1999, M.S. in Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics at Fudan University in China in 2003 and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at Tulane University in USA in 2006. He then worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory before joining Fudan University in 2008. He is recognized as a pioneer in fiber electronics and starts to focus on metal-backboned polymers recently. Professor Peng has published over 410 peer-reviewed papers and 4 books, and obtains over 100 licensed patents with 47 royally transferred to the industry. His technologies have initiated a few companies with three series of products available in the world market. He receives over 30 national and international awards, makes editorial services for over 20 journals, and serves for over 20 professional organizations.Huisheng Peng is an editorial board member for Chinese Journal of Polymer Science and was not involved in the editorial review or the decision to publish this article. The authors declare no conflict of interest.
- DOI：10.1007/s10118-026-3850-z
  中图分类号：
- 收稿：2026-07-10，
  
  录用：2026-08-15，
  
  网络首发：2026-09-18，
  
  纸质出版：2026-08
- Accepted：
Scan QR Code
Qin, Y.; Zhao, Z.; Liu, J.; Shen, J.; Wu, Z.; Zeng, K.; Peng, H. Metal-backboned polymers: from synthetic methodologies to structure-property insights. Chinese J. Polym. Sci. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10118-026-3850-z

Yedong Qin, Zihao Zhao, Jizeng Liu, et al. Metal-Backboned Polymers: from Synthetic Methodologies to Structure-Property Insights[J/OL]. Chinese Journal of Polymer Science, 2026, 441-9.
Qin, Y.; Zhao, Z.; Liu, J.; Shen, J.; Wu, Z.; Zeng, K.; Peng, H. Metal-backboned polymers: from synthetic methodologies to structure-property insights. Chinese J. Polym. Sci. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10118-026-3850-z DOI：

Yedong Qin, Zihao Zhao, Jizeng Liu, et al. Metal-Backboned Polymers: from Synthetic Methodologies to Structure-Property Insights[J/OL]. Chinese Journal of Polymer Science, 2026, 441-9. DOI： 10.1007/s10118-026-3850-z.

摘要

Abstract

The polymer properties are fundamentally dictated by the chemical nature of the backbones. Metal-backboned polymers (MBPs)

in which conventional non-metallic backbones are replaced by continuous chains of metal atoms linked by metal-metal bonds

open a largely unexplored dimension in polymeric materials. Their unique electronic coupling

magnetic interactions

and optical responses enable a wide range of new functionalities. Despite this promise

the development of MBPs is hindered by two intertwined challenges: the lack of robust synthetic methodologies and the absence of systematic structure-property relationships to guide predictive design. From this Perspective

we provide a systematic overview that bridges synthetic methodologies with structure-property insights for MBPs. First

we critically examined two principal synthetic strategies

direct metal-metal bonding and multidentate-ligand-assisted template synthesis

and assessed their efficiency

precision

scope

and limitations. We further discuss how metal identity

ligand architecture

and chain length affect the physicochemical properties of MBPs

revealing key structure-property relationships. Finally

we identify the major challenges and emerging opportunities to move the field from molecular construction to predictive design

including machine-learning-assisted design and single-molecule characterization. Such developments will facilitate precise and scalable synthesis

as well as quantitative structure-property studies

paving the way toward MBPs with programmable and increasingly sophisticated functions.

关键词

Keywords

references

Zeng, K.; Peng, H. Metal-backboned polymer: conception, design and synthesis. Chinese J. Polym. Sci. 2023 , 41 , 3−6..

Itaya, K.; Uchida, I.; Neff, V. D. Electrochemistry of polynuclear transition metal cyanides: Prussian blue and its analogues. Acc. Chem. Res. 1986 , 19 , 162−168..

Huang, F.; Chen, X.; Zhao, Z.; Zhang, Y.; Mao, Y.; Hong, K.; Guo, H.; Cheng, H.; Liao, M.; Lv, X.; Peng, H. High pressure synthesis for gold-backboned polymer. Chinese J. Polym. Sci . 2026 , 44, 3223−3230..

Lin, G. M.; Cheng, M. C.; Liou, S. J.; Tsao, H. S.; Lin, C. H.; Lin, Y. R.; Lee, G. H.; Chen, C. H.; Peng, S. M. Revisit of trinickel metal string complexes [Ni 3 L 4 X 2 ] (L = dipyridylamido, diazaphenoxazine; X = NCS, CN) for quantum transport. J. Chin. Chem. Soc. 2019 , 66 , 1157−1164..

[Zeng, K.; Liu, J.; Wu, Z.; Qin, Y.; Shen, J.; Huang, F.; Peng, H. A material viewpoint on metal-backboned polymers. Adv. Mater . 2025 , 38 , e09064..

Wu, Y.; Zhang, Y.; Zeng, K.; Cheng, X.; Song, J.; Peng, H. A general strategy for the synthesis of metal-backboned molecules with different metals. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2025 , 64 , e202502327..

Wang, N.; Zeng, K.; Zheng, Y.; Jiang, H.; Yang, Y.; Zhang, Y.; Li, D.; Yu, S.; Ye, Q.; Peng, H. High-performance thermoelectric fibers from metal-backboned polymers for body-temperature wearable power devices. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2024 , 63 , e202403415..

Xu, J.; Zeng, K.; Zhang, Y.; Yang, Y.; Liu, Z.; Liu, Y.; Wang, J.; Zhang, K.; Wu, Y.; Sun, H.; Peng, H. High performance microwave absorption material based on meta l-backboned polymer. Chinese J. Polym. Sci. 2024 , 42 , 1881..

Zhang, Y.; Hao, S.; Wu, Y.; Huang, F.; Pang, J.; Wang, X.; Xu, X.; Zeng, K.; Zheng, G.; Peng, H. Cobalt-backboned oligomer for record photocatalytic CO 2 conversion to ethanol. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2026 , 65 , e21378..

Zeng, K.; Yang, Y.; Xu, J.; Wang, N.; Tang, W.; Xu, J.; Zhang, Y.; Wu, Y.; Xu, Y.; Wang, G.; Chen, P.; Wang, B.; Sun, X.; Jin, G.; Peng, H. Metal-backboned polymers with well-defined lengths. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2023 , 62 , e202216060..

Zhao, Z.; Huang, F.; Zhang, Y.; Peng, H. Chemically bonding metal atoms into a polymer chain. Chinese J. Polym. Sci. 2026 , doi: 10.1007/s10118-026-3779-2..

Finniss, G.; Canadell, E.; Campana, C.; Dunbar, K. Unprecedented conversion of a compound with metal-metal bonding into a solvated molecular wire. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 1996 , 35 , 2772−2774..

Ghosh, S.; Khanam, K. N.; Hossai, M. K.; Hossai, G. M. G.; Haworth, D. T.; Lindeman, S. V.; Hogart, G.; Kabir, S. E. Mixed-metal cluster synthesis: [Re(CO) 3 ( μ -S 2 NC 7 H 4 ) ] 2 as a precursor for tri- and tetranuclear 2-mercaptobenzothiolato capped clusters. J. Organomet. Chem. 2010 , 695 , 1146−1154..

Jiang, F.; Jenkins, H. A.; Green, D. F.; Yap, G. P. A.; Pomeroy, R. K. A novel metal-chain extension reaction: synthesis of (X)[Os(CO) 3 (CN- t -Bu) ] n Mn(CO) 5 (X = Cl, Br, I; n = 1, 2, 3). Can. J. Chem. 2002 , 80 , 281−291..

Zhang, Y.; Zeng, K.; Wu, Y.; Huang, F.; Peng, H. Synthesis of nickel-backboned polymers by incorporating triazine groups. Sci. Bull. 2025 , 70 , 2223−2227..

Cheng, M.-C.; Mai, C. L.; Yeh, C.-Y.; Lee, G.-H.; Peng, S.-M. Facile synthesis of heterotrimetallic metal-string complex [NiCoRh(dpa) 4 Cl 2 ] through direct metal replacement. Chem. Commun. 2013 , 49 , 7938−7940..

Zhang, Y.; Zeng, K.; Peng, H. Metal-backboned polymer: concept, advance and perspective. Sci. China Mater. 2025 , 68 , 105−109..

Miners, S.; Rance, G.; Khlobystov, A. Chemical reactions confined within carbon nanotubes. Chem. Soc. Rev. 2016 , 45 , 4727−4746..

Qu, J.; Li, S.; Deng, Z.; Hu, J.; Yang, X.; Cai, Y.; Du, F.; Zhong, B.; Li, C.; Sun, Q. Charge polarization-modulated Pd-Ni(OH) 2 hybrids in mesoporous silica SBA-15 for efficient low-temperature CO 2 hydrogenation to formate. Chem. Eng. J. 2023 , 467 , 143405..

Yu, M.; Chen, W.; Lin, Q.; Li, L.; Liu, Z.; Bi, J.; Yu, Y. Electrostatic confinement-induced excited charge transfer in ionic covalent organic framework promoting CO 2 reduction. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2025 , 64 , e202418422..

Ichikawa, M. Metal cluster compounds as molecular precursors for tailored metal catalysts. Adv. Catal. 1992 , 38 , 283−400..

Hendon, C.; Walsh, A.; Akiyama, N.; Konno, Y.; Kajiwara, T.; Ito, T.; Kitagawa, H.; Sakai, K. One-dimensional magnus-type platinum double salts. Nat. Commun. 2016 , 7 , 11950..

Ch eng, M. C.; Lee, G. H.; Lin, T. S.; Liu, Y. C.; Chiang, M. H.; Chen, C. H.; Peng, S. M. Metal Replacement in the syntheses of M A M B M C heterometallic metal-string complexes: MPdM’(dpa) 4 Cl 2 . J. Chin. Chem. Soc. 2022 , 69 , 1438−1448..

Ismayilov, R. H.; Valiyev, F. F.; Tagiyev, D. B.; Song, Y.; Israfilov, N. V.; Wang, W. Z.; Lee, G. H.; Peng, S. M.; Suleimanov, B. A. Linear pentanuclear nickel(II) and tetranuclear copper(II) complexes with pyrazine-modulated tripyridyldiamine ligand: synthesis, structure and properties. Inorg. Chim. Acta 2018 , 483 , 386−391..

Berry, J. F.; Cotton, F. A.; Lei, P.; Lu, T.; Murillo, C. A. Additional steps toward molecular scale wires: further study of Ni 5 10 / 11+ chains embraced by polypyridylamide ligands. Inorg. Chem. 2003 , 42 , 3534−3539..

Cirera, J.; Ruiz, E. Theoretical modeling of the ligand-tuning effect over the transition temperature in four-coordinated Fe II molecules. Inorg. Chem. 2016 , 55 , 1657−1663..

Mao, Z.; Fu, Y; Yao, X. Carbon-based materials for electrocatalytic energy conversion: from understanding to designing. Chem. Synth. 2025 , 5 , 68..

[Zhao, Z.; Huang, F.; Zhang, Y.; Hong, K.; Jiang, C.; Peng, H. One-pot synthesis of a long-chain metal-backboned polymer. Natl. Sci. Rev . 2026 , nwag451..

Yu, L.; Chen, B.; Li, Z.; Su, Y.; Jiang, X.; Han, Z.; Zhou, Y.; Yan, D.; Zhu, X.; Dong, R. Computer-aided automated flow chemical synthesis of polymers. Giant 2024 , 18 , 100252..

Hong, W. Recent experimental advances and prospects for the next decade of single-molecule electronics: from devices to applications. Chin. Sci. Bull. 2023 , 68 , 2197−2212..

浏览量

Downloads

CSCD

文章被引用时，请邮件提醒。

Submit

工具集

关联资源

Porous Organic Polymers for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Peroxide Production: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

High Pressure Synthesis for Gold-backboned Polymer

Molecularly Engineered Contorted Polyimides: Unraveling the Role of Backbone Rigidity in Gas Separation

Sliding Dynamics of Ring Chain on a Rod-Coil Block Copolymer in Rotaxane

Molecular Segregation and Melt Memory in Dilute Polycaprolactone with Reduced Entanglements