Pillar[n]arene-mediated metal nanoparticles: from synthesis and self-assembly to applications

Metal nanomaterials (MeNPs) possess advantages such as high specific surface areas, excellent optical properties, good electrical and thermal conductivity, tunable magnetic properties, high chemical reactivity, and biocompatibility. These advantages enable metal nanomaterials to have broad applications in various fields. Pillar[n]arenes, the newest class of classical synthetic macrocycles with rich host-guest properties, have recently sparked extensive research interest among scientists. The combination of metal nanomaterials and pillar[n]arenes is expected to integrate and enhance the respective excellent properties of both. This Review systematically outlines the recent progress in the fabrication strategies and important applications of pillar[n]arene-mediated metal nanomaterials in sensing, drug delivery, cancer therapy, and catalysis. A brief outlook on the future development of pillar[n]arene-mediated metal nanomaterials is also presented.