FUNSURF · Functional Supramolecular Networks on Surfaces
FP7 — People (Marie Curie Actions)
- Duration
- 2010-09-01 → 2012-08-31
- EU contribution
- €159,100
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MC-IEF
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Functional Supramolecular Networks on Surfaces
Introduction and summary of project objectives: Functional Supramolecular Networks on Surfaces (FUNSURF) is a multidisciplinary project which aims to use two-dimensional (2D) supramolecular self-assembly to produce functional molecular networks. These networks were studied using scanning probe microscopy (SPM) a technique which allows visualisation of structures with molecular resolution. The molecular building blocks used in this study were designed to have the ability to respond to external stimuli such as light irradiation or voltage pulses applied using an SPM tip. These responses include light induced structural changes or controlled covalent reactions. The final objective was to implement an analysis method that combines the high spatial resolution of SPM with chemical sensitivity, tipenhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS). The self-assembly of simple molecules into complex structures is a ubiquitous process in nature. The self-assembly of molecules at surfaces into 2D molecular networks is promising areas of research. These structures can quickly and easily organise chemical groups across a surface with nanometre precision. Areas of particular interest are self-assembly at the liquid-solid interface and the formation of nanoporous networks. The molecular systems studied in FUNSURF are based on a previously studied system that is known to self-assemble at the liquid solid interface between graphite and organic solvents, alkoxylated dehydrobenzo[12] annulenes (DBA). DBA molecules consist of a triangular annulene core decorated with six alkoxy chains. The DBA molecules interact with each other through the chain interdigitation. DBAs form two distinct network structures, a close packed linear phase and a hexagonal porous network. Which structure is formed depends on the length of the alkoxy chains, the solvent used and the concentration. DBA is an ideal system for functional networks as the alkoxy chains can be altered at the synthesis stage to include specific chemical groups.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
FUNSURF is an interdisciplinary research project which lies at a natural meeting point between chemistry, physics, materials science and nanotechnology. The project will enable a bright young scientist with an impressive track record to gain a high level of cross-disciplinary training in diverse new aspects of supramolecular self-assembly and reactivity, scanning probe microscopy, photochemistry and optical spectroscopy. The training-through-research basis of FUNSURF focuses on the design, synthesis and characterisation of functional supramolecular networks on surfaces. Many of the structures produced by supramolecular self-assembly display high levels of spatial order making it an ideal method for producing the next generation of functional nanostructured devices. In addition to producing novel, high impact science this project gives the researcher the opportunity to work in an internationally recognised group at a host organisation which provides excellent postgraduate training in both scientific and complementary professional skills. FUNSURF will produce molecular architectures which can be activated by external stimuli to perform specific functions. These include, switching on or off adsorption sites in a network via optically induced changes in molecular configuration and initiating localised chemical reactions. Alongside this the development of Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (TERS) will provide a chemically specific characterisation tool with nanoscale resolution. The researcher’s background makes him perfectly suited to achieving these objectives, while the experience of new research disciplines will allow him to cultivate the broad range of skills key to driving new scientific developments in this area. This combination of training and interdisciplinary experience is essential in assuring the researcher attains an independent position at the forefront of future research efforts.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN · LeuvenCoordinatorBelgium
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union