Self‐healing and shape‐shifting polymers controlled by dynamic bonds

Abstract Dynamic chemistry refers to a type of fundamental science that involves precise construction or regulation of reactional, motional, or constitutional dynamics of chemical systems. Under the meticulous design of chemists, the nanoscopic dynamics, either molecular or supramolecular, are managed to scale up to macroscopic dynamic properties. For example, the stimuli‐induced conformational or configurational changes of polymer skeletons result in unexpected functions of polymers, such as self‐healing and shape‐shifting behaviors. This review focuses on how the microscopic dynamics of these molecular components initiate the reversible macroscopic deformation of the corresponding polymer materials upon external stimuli. The self‐healing and shape‐shifting materials are discussed in terms of the subtle molecular design, dynamic reversible mechanisms, and critical roles of the dynamic components in building these materials. Furthermore, this review puts forward the challenges and opportunities for the field of dynamic polymers in both aspects of fundamental chemistry and material fabrication. We hope this review can provide new inspiration for the development of this particular research field.