SolSupPol · Understanding and exploiting competitive solvent interactions in supramolecular polymerization: from solutions to bulk materials
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2021-08-01 → 2023-07-31
- EU contribution
- €175,572
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF
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Results in brief
Understanding and exploiting competitive solvent interactions in supramolecular polymerization: from solutions to bulk materials
Three decades after the first reports on one-dimensional aggregates of repeating monomers held together by non-covalent interactions, the field of supramolecular polymers is blooming. The dynamic nature of supramolecular polymers and their consequent high responsiveness to external stimuli render them attractive candidates for optoelectronic applications. To tune their properties and control their function, a fundamental understanding of such complex systems is of key importance. In this regard, the overall goal of the project is to get insights into monomer-monomer and competitive solvent interactions in supramolecular polymerization and to exploit such knowledge to tune the assembly of supramolecular polymers and tailor their photophysical properties. The ultimate aim is the preparation of targeted functional systems based on supramolecular interactions in view of potential applications as optical and energy materials.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
During the last three decades, tremendous progress has been made in the field of Supramolecular Polymers (SPs), and several fundamental issues have been disclosed. As a result, these materials are reaching technological maturity. The intrinsic dynamicity and responsive properties of SPs render them intriguing candidates for a plethora of applications, ranging from life-like systems to optoelectronics. Thus, investigation on SPs is expected to have a profound impact on the knowledge-based society. Remarkably, the role of solvent in supramolecular polymerization is still poorly understood. The current picture of solvent effects on SPs is fragmented and mainly descriptive. With SolSupPol, I propose a detailed study of the role of competitive solvent interactions in the helical bias and thermal behaviour of SPs in solution, based on the use of chiral solvents. Combining a systematic investigation on solvent effects at a macroscopic level with a microscopic study of their molecular origin, an unprecedent control over competitive solvent interactions in supramolecular polymerization will be achieved. Hence, I aim to exploit solvent effects to tune the properties of SPs in the bulk. These findings will constitute a proof-of-concept, revealing emerging solvent-induced structure-property relationships in the solid state. The project includes the synthesis of a library of monomers, the empirical and theoretical study of their assembly in solution, the preparation and characterization of thin films, and the probing of the spin-filtering and long-range exciton transfer properties of solvent-induced chiral supramolecular structures in the bulk.The outcomes of this project will enable the design of tailored interactions between SPs and solvents and will foster the development of functional, adaptive materials based on solvent effects. Dissemination and communication activities will guarantee the great impact of SolSupPol.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT EINDHOVEN · EindhovenCoordinatorNetherlands
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union