Strategic Advances in Spatiotemporal Control of Bioinspired Phenolic Chemistries in Materials Science

Abstract Nature‐inspired phenolic chemistries have substantially nourished the engineering of advanced materials for widespread applications in energy, catalysis, and biomedicine, among others. To achieve predictable yet adaptable material structures and properties, the spatial and/or temporal control over the phenolic chemistries per se is increasingly demanded. In this review, a systematic overview of recent strategical advances in the spatiotemporal control of phenolic chemistries in materials science is given. The chemical diversity and reactivity of catechols and polyphenols are first introduced as phenolic building blocks. With a main focus on catechols (especially dopamine), renewed insights into their mechanisms of polymerization/assembly, adhesion, and cohesion are provided. The conditions for tuning phenolic polymerization/assembly are also outlined. This paper focuses on the latest strategies for imparting controlled manipulation of phenolic chemistries in terms of many aspects: growth kinetics, chemical compositions and structures, dimensions and architectures, spatial patterns, and surface functionality. Finally, critical issues facing this field with perspectives delivered on future research are discussed. As envisaged, this review will provide helpful guidance to orchestrate state‐of‐the‐art phenolic chemistries and materials science for producing materials with intended, application‐oriented properties and functions.