Cobalt- and Nickel-based Polymetallocenes: Functional Metallopolymers from Earth-Abundant Metals

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The field of polymers containing metal atoms as part of the structure (metallopolymers) is relatively new in comparison to that of polymers in general. Nevertheless, recent advances in this area have established metallopolymers as an attractive class of easily processed materials in which metal centres introduce properties and functions that complement those available with state-of-the-art organic macromolecules. This proposal outlines a research programme to synthetically develop and to understand the properties of two new classes of metallopolymers based on the metals cobalt and nickel, and also to lay the foundations for their exploitation, with a particular focus on their antimicrobial and magnetic properties. The development of new antibiotics is of key global importance due to the reduced effectiveness of currently available compounds towards infection. In addition, the development of easily processed polymeric materials that function as magnets is particularly desirable for a range of applications in computers and other devices.