Molecular weaving towards metalloporphyrin polymer coatings with integrated high stiffness and flexibility for anti-SARS-CoV-2 application

High stiffness and high flexibility are often considered as conflicting properties within polymers, which sets obstacles in developing next-generation materials such as coatings with high mechanical strength. We overcome this conflict by designing a series of metalloporphyrin polymers through an in situ copolymerization strategy based on stiff porphyrin units and flexible thiourea linkers. Mechanically robust metalloporphyrin polymer coatings can be readily formed in place once their starting materials are coated on substrates such as cloth, fiber, paper cups, glass and metal foil. The coupling of stiffness with flexibility not only endows these properties of the metalloporphyrin polymer to the coated substrates, but also promises surface adaptability when applying onto a broad scope of materials. Modified with metal centers, anti-pathogenic functions for viruses like SARS-CoV-2 can be achieved when manufactured as mask coatings, holding promise in medical prevention and life protection.