Self-healing and shape memory functions exhibited by supramolecular liquid-crystalline networks formed by combination of hydrogen bonding interactions and coordination bonding.

We here report a new approach to develop self-healing shape memory supramolecular liquid-crystalline (LC) networks through self-assembly of molecular building blocks combination of hydrogen bonding and coordination bonding. We have designed and synthesized supramolecular LC polymers and networks based on the complexation of a forklike mesogenic ligand with Ag ions and carboxylic acids. Unidirectionally aligned fibers and free-standing films forming layered LC nanostructures have been obtained for the supramolecular LC networks.