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Updated: Nov 15, 2025
DNA Nanotubes as a Versatile Tool to Study Semiflexible Polymers
Published on: October 25, 2017
Structural flexibility in crystalline coordination polymers: a journey along the underlying free energy landscape
Claire L Hobday1, Gregor Kieslich
1Centre for Science at Extreme Conditions and EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FJ, UK. Claire.Hobday@ed.ac.uk.
Abstract:
Crystalline coordination polymers are a chemically diverse material platform that provide control over network geometry and chemical interactions, harbouring a wealth of phenomena of large scientific and technological relevance. The underlying structure together with chemical interactions play a crucial role, factors that together determine the underlying free energy surface of a material, i.e. its physicochemical properties. Here we discuss selected phenomena and research examples related to structural flexibility, identifying the underlying free energy landscape in coordination polymers as a scientific discipline unifying component that can help to further support cross-communication between different research areas. We finish by advocating the roles of concept-based thinking, interdisciplinarity and a progressive attitude in advancing the field in the near future.
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