Bioinspired Polymer Metal Complex Composites: Design and Emerging Applications

Abstract

Polymer–metal complex composites are a versatile class of hybrid materials that Polymer–metal complex composites represent a versatile class of hybrid materials that integrate the structural flexibility of polymers with the functional tunability of metal coordination compounds. This review provides an overview of recent advances in their design, synthesis, and emerging applications, with particular emphasis on the use of natural and bio-based ligands. Key fabrication strategies including in situ complexation, melt blending, sol–gel, electrospinning, 3D printing methods are discussed in relation to their influence on the resulting composite morphology and performance. The incorporation of metal complexes has been shown to significantly improve mechanical strength, thermal stability, barrier behavior, catalytic efficiency, and biological activity, enabling wide-ranging applications in biomedicine, packaging, catalysis, and environmental remediation. Despite these advantages, challenges such as interfacial incompatibility, thermal degradation, and metal ion leaching remain challenges. To overcome these limitations, advanced approaches such as reactive processing, smart ligands, and the integration of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are being explored. This review highlights current progress and offers insights into future directions for the development of high-performance polymer–metal complex composites.