Realizing single-chain one-dimensional materials: Synthesis, exfoliation, and applications

Single-chain atomic crystal (SCAC)–based one-dimensional (1D) materials are an emerging class of low-dimensional solids in which strong intrachain covalent bonding coexists with weak interchain van der Waals coupling, allowing bulk crystals to serve as precursors for sheet-, bundle-, and isolated-chain-derived states. Despite growing interest, a unified framework linking their discovery, synthesis, exfoliation, and application is still lacking. Here, we review SCAC-based 1D materials from a workflow-centered perspective. We discuss how candidate materials are identified through crystallographic and property-informed screening, realized through solid-state, solution-based, and vapor-phase synthesis, and transformed into isolated chains through mechanical, liquid-phase, and single-chain exfoliation. We further examine its functional properties translate into distinct performance across bio interfaces, electrochemical energy storage, and electronics. Key bottlenecks, including materials accessibility, single-chain isolation methods, and challenges in application-oriented integration, are also discussed. This Review provides a practical framework for translating chain-structured crystals into functional low-dimensional materials platforms. Graphical abstract