Mechanically Robust, Durable, and Multifunctional Hyper-Crosslinked Elastomer Based on Metal–Organic-Cluster Crosslinker: The Role of Topological Structure

Polymer materials formed by conventional metal-ligand bonds have very low branch functionality, the crosslinker of such polymer usually consists of 2–4 polymer chains and a single metal ion. Thus, these materials are weak, soft, humidity-sensitive, and unable to withstand their shape under long-term service. In this work, a new hyperbranched metal–organic cluster (MOC) crosslinker containing up to 16 vinyl groups is prepared by a straightforward coordination reaction. Compared with the current typical synthesis of metal–organic cages (MOCs) or metal–organic-polyhedra (MOP) crosslinkers with complex operations and low yield, the preparation of the MOC is simple and gram-scale. Thus, MOC can serve as a high-connectivity crosslinker to construct hyper-crosslinked polymer networks. The as-prepared elastomer exhibits mechanical robustness, creep-resistance, and humidity-stability. Besides, the elastomer possesses self-healing and recyclability at mild condition as well as fluorescence stability. These impressive comprehensive properties are proven to originate from the hyper-crosslinked topological structure and microphase-separated morphology. The MOC-driven hyper-crosslinked elastomers provide a new solution for the construction of mechanically robust, durable, and multifunctional polymers.