SACS

Self-Assembly in Confined Space

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Supramolecular chemistry studies chemistry beyond individual molecules, where molecules or macromolecules form larger entities by spontaneous self-assembly or by self-organisation. The resulting supramolecular architectures are held together by covalent bonds and a variety of non-covalent intermolecular interactions (hydrogen bonding, metal coordination, hydrophobic interactions etc). Spatially, the supramolecular systems can extend from a few nm to micron size or beyond, in 1, 2 or 3 dimensions, with hierarchical structures containing organisation at distinct characteristic length scales. Consequently, one can control and guide not only the chemical properties of supramolecular systems, such as adsorption affinity, reactivity or catalytic activity, but also the physical properties (mechanical, electrical, optical etc.) with spatial resolution, at different length scales and in different directions. Therefore, supramolecular systems have a potential functionality which tremendously surpasses the scope of classical molecular systems in the liquid state, or of classical porous solids. This potential functionality encompasses the type and number of functions which can simultaneously be fulfilled, as well as the range of viable operating conditions. While the variety of „functions‟ for supramolecular systems is only limited by the imagination of the supramolecular chemist, SACS focuses on the formation, via self assembly, of functional structures in restricted or controlled space to gain new properties resulting from the confinement and to enable the formation of assemblies with controlled geometries as well as size and shape and outstanding properties.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

EU-funded scientists are focusing on forming self-assembled building blocks to enable the development of materials with enhanced properties.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Molecular self-assembly is a key concept in supramolecular chemistry.

In particular, it refers to large molecular entities with interesting properties achieved through spontaneous self-assembly.

These self-organising building blocks allow access to nano-scale objects using a bottom-up approach in far fewer steps than a single molecule of similar dimensions.

By controlling chemical and physical properties at different length scales and directions, supramolecular assembled systems show novel functionalities.The EU-funded 'Self-assembly in confined space' (http://www.fp7-SACS.com/ (SACS)) project focuses on the formation of functional structures with unique properties through self-assembly in a confined space.

These structures will have strictly controlled geometries, size and shape.Considerable effort is devoted to forming small luminescent clusters that consist of silver or copper and stabilising them in nanoporous materials (zeolites).

In addition to their catalytic properties, these systems proved to efficiently convert ultraviolet to visible light, with quantum yields as much as 70%.

The formation of luminescent manganese and lead clusters in FAU and MER zeolites, respectively, has been also attempted, with quantum yields below 10%.A major part of project work involved combining electrochromic materials with porous systems and polymers.

Photochromic and electrochromic systems benefit from rigidification of the medium, acquiring enhanced luminescent, electrochromic or catalytic properties.Combining building blocks with strong chemical diversity and of controlled size and shape allows easy optimisation of their properties.

In zeolite crystals incorporating luminescent clusters, control over luminescence properties is achieved on the scale of one cage (1nm), while control over moisture or gases is achieved on crystal level (several micrometres).SACS could enable industrial-scale production of nanostructures, paving the way for a new generation of commercially available devices with radical new functionalities.