Polymer shows some backbone as it becomes first with extended metal spine

A 21-atom nickel chain is the longest metallic polymer ever created. Stabilised by a macromolecular ligand shell, these one-dimensional molecular wires fuse the durability of plastics with the conductivity of metals and could have significant implications for nanoelectronics.

Metals and polymers are vital materials in our daily lives but the distinct electronic structures of metal and nonmetal atoms mean it is difficult to effectively combine the properties of these versatile materials. Strong non-metal bonds stabilise conventional polymers but act as thermal and electronic insulators, while weak metal−metal interactions preclude the formation of stable metallic chains. ‘The majority of known metallopolymers are based on organometallic repeat units, and do not feature direct metal−metal interactions,’ explains Rebecca Musgrave, a metallopolymers researcher from King’s College London, UK. ‘Although extended metal atom chains have been well studied, these types of compounds are typically limited in length (containing between three and 11 metal atoms), and can best be described as oligomeric species rather than true polymers.’