Metal-containing nanofibers via coordination chemistry

One-dimensional fibrous nanostructures may exhibit unique mechanical, optical, magnetic, and electronic properties as a result of their nanoscale dimensions. Various approaches have been used to prepare nanofibers (e.g., electrospinning, vapor deposition), but this review focuses on the research and development of self-assembled nanofibers formed through coordination chemistry. By employing metal-ligand interactions that extend along the backbone of the aggregates, nanofibrous, often gel-forming, materials with appealing properties have been formed. Other fibers formed through electrostatic interactions between charged coordination complexes are also discussed. The optical, electronic, and magnetic properties conferred upon the materials by the embedded coordination complexes render the nanofibers useful for applications in the fields of catalysis, sensors, and gas storage, and potentially for developing nanosized devices.