Design and Functions of Macromolecular Electron-Reservoir Complexes and Devices

Abstract

In this mini-review article the concept of electron reservoir materials developed in the author’s laboratory is summarized. Starting from mono- and bimetallic electron reservoir complexes and their electronic and catalytic properties this concept extends to macromolecular electron-reservoir devices including metallodendrimers, metallopolymers and macromolecule-stabilized late transition-metal nanoparticles. The electronic switch in these devices is discussed as well as the structure-dependent possibilities to stabilize both utilized redox forms. Catalytic and energy-related applications involving redox metallomacromolecules and nanoparticles and their potential extension are briefly discussed. Graphic Abstract Giant ferrocene and pentamethylferrocene-based dendrimers and polymers are typical electron reservoir macromolecules that have been isolated in both oxidized and reduced forms with the ability to carry a large flow of electrons at about the same potential. The dramatic structural and size changes of the metallomacromolecules upon redox switch is reminiscent of molecular machines.