Dynamic Metal–Ligand Bonds as Scaffolds for Autonomously Healing Multi-Responsive Materials

Supramolecular functional materials featuring self-healing properties are a fascinating class of materials that are currently attracting great interest. In this respect, use of dynamic metal–ligand bonds has received much less attention than other reversible interactions – either covalent bonds or noncovalent interactions. Nonetheless, systems and materials with enhanced and special functionalities might arise from the synergic combination of labile coordination bonds and the physicochemical properties – optical, magnetic, electrical, catalytic, and so on – associated with the presence of judiciously chosen metal ions or organic ligands. Here, advances in the field of healing and multi-functional materials based on the reversible formation of metal-ligand bonds are highlighted through a selection of key examples, including bioinspired ones.