Linking supramolecular cages into functional nanomaterials
Bottom-up synthesis of new nanomaterials
For the supramolecular chemist, metal-ions and organic ligands are often used as ’Lego’ building blocks to form functional materials for applications ranging from catalysis to molecular sensing and separation.
Most state-of-the-art materials, however, are synthesised from simple precursors in a ‘one-pot’ synthesis, resulting in limiting control over the material’s composition and performance.
This project will focus on utilising metal-organic cages as building blocks for the synthesis of advanced porous networks. The preparation of functionalised metal-organic cages will involve a mixture of organic/inorganic synthesis, and their characterisation will be carried out with a variety of solution and solid-state techniques.
Optimising the synthetic conditions for their subsequent polymerisation will be one of the main aims of the project. The long-term goals of the project are to utilise these new nanomaterials as heterogeneous catalysts.
Supervisors
Co-supervisor: Professor Christopher Sumby
Research area: Nanomaterials synthesis
Recommended honours enrolment: Honours in Chemistry