Supramolecular Polymers with Nucleation–Elongation Growth Mechanism and Beyond

Natural one-dimensional supramolecular systems, such as actin filaments and amyloid fibrils, follow a nucleation–elongation assembly mechanism. This process is characterized by an initially unfavorable nucleation phase, which is followed by a more favorable elongation phase once a stable nucleus is formed. Inspired by these biological systems, supramolecular chemists have focused on designing synthetic supramolecular polymers that adopt the nucleation–elongation mechanism. By carefully controlling the nucleation and elongation processes, it is possible to precisely regulate the supramolecular polymerization pathways, as well as the length, length distribution, sequence, and morphology of supramolecular polymers, as highlighted in this chapter. Therefore, the nucleation–elongation mechanism provides a versatile strategy for constructing supramolecular polymers with tailored structures and properties, paving the way for the development of intelligent functional materials.