Construction of Polymeric Metal–Organic Nanocapsule Networks via Supramolecular Coordination-Driven Self-Assembly

Polymeric
metal–organic nanocapsule networks (polyMONCs),
where metal–organic nanocapsules (MONCs) are connected by functional
polymers, could possess the properties of traditional polymers and
also retain the structures of MONCs. In this work, we constructed
novel polyMONCs based on Mg-seamed pyrogallol[4]­arene-containing MONCs
through supramolecular coordination-driven self-assembly. The MONCs
can be successfully polymerized using poly­(ethylene glycol) as the
linker, and the prepared polyMONCs can be further made into gels with
self-healing properties and stimuli responsiveness. Advantageously,
single crystals of MONCs cross-linked by ethylene glycol/diethylene
glycol were obtained, giving us direct perspectives to mimic and investigate
the self-assembly process of polyMONCs.