Tellurium‐Containing Polymers: Towards Biomaterials and Optoelectronic Materials

Abstract Tellurium‐containing polymers have become increasingly attractive owing to their unique properties as biomaterials and optoelectronic materials. The relatively large atomic size and low electronegativity of tellurium give it with many unique properties, such as coordination ability and redox sensitivity. The introduction of tellurium can endow materials with different responsiveness, which makes it possible for them to be employed as biomaterials. The narrow band gap of polytellurophene also allows its use in optoelectronic materials. In this focus review, we highlight a series of recent advances in tellurium‐containing polymers. First, tellurium‐containing amphiphilic block copolymers are summarized; these species can self‐assemble to form aggregates with coordination‐responsive and reactive oxygen species‐responsive properties. Then, we describe both tellurophene‐containing homopolymers and copolymers, including their synthesis, chemical properties, and applications in different optoelectronic devices. It is anticipated that tellurium‐containing polymers will have more applications in material science.