An introduction to synthesis and application of nanoscale metal–carboxylate coordination polymers

Abstract

In recent years, nanoscale metal–organic coordination polymers have attracted more and more attention because of their specific properties in gas sorption, sensors, contrast agents, drug delivery, templates and so on. Carboxylate compounds are a large family of O-donor ligands and are studied widely because such ligands can be designed with various structures and can also form strong bonds with metal centers. Until now, many nanoscale metal–organic coordination polymers with carboxylate-containing ligands have been reported. The purpose of this tutorial highlight is to present recent advances in the syntheses of nanoscale metal–carboxylate coordination polymers and illustrate the potential application of this new class of nanomaterials in different areas.