Topology, assembly, and electronics: three pillars for designing supramolecular polymers with emergent optoelectronic behavior

“Emergence-upon-assembly” – where unique properties arise following the formation of hierarchical superstructures – is a common strategy employed by biology to produce materials that possess advanced optical and electronic properties. Supramolecular polymers are periodic macromolecules, whose monomers are held together by noncovalent bonding, and they display emergence-upon-assembly when sufficient consideration is given to topology, assembly, and orbital interactions. Herein we discuss the criteria to consider when designing supramolecular polymers with emergent optoelectronic properties by placing particular emphasis on the contributions of topology, assembly mechanism, and intramolecular electronic communication in donor–acceptor systems.