Synthesis, properties and applications of well‐designed hybrid polymers based on polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane

Abstract Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) as a frontier organic/inorganic hybrid material with multiple structures has exhibited great potential in robust property extension in the past decade because of its stable cage structure and flexible modification. Recent research on the design strategies of modifying T 8 ‐POSS and various T 8 ‐POSS deviations has inspired the emergence of multidisciplinary applications. In this review, we describe the most common synthetic methods of T 8 ‐POSS, including monofunctional and octafunctional POSS deviations, and then discuss some frequently combined groups' properties, such as POSS‐cyclodextrin, POSS‐azobenzene, base‐pair ending POSS and POSS‐copolymer, and classify them based on their self‐assembly driving force. Moreover, these designations serve as advanced interactive machines with humans, including drug delivery systems, fluorescent probes, sensors and stretchable devices. Finally, we describe the prospects and challenges of the application of the expansion of smart POSS interactive materials. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.