Self-assembled supramolecular cages for guest binding and catalysis. This project aims to construct a family of supramolecular metal-containing cage-shaped molecules that possess specialised binding pockets with unique chemical properties that mimic enzymes. Many existing cage molecules contain well-defined three dimensional cavities reminiscent of enzymes' active sites. However, unlike natural systems they do not contain "active" metals with free coordination sites, and this limits their cataly ....Self-assembled supramolecular cages for guest binding and catalysis. This project aims to construct a family of supramolecular metal-containing cage-shaped molecules that possess specialised binding pockets with unique chemical properties that mimic enzymes. Many existing cage molecules contain well-defined three dimensional cavities reminiscent of enzymes' active sites. However, unlike natural systems they do not contain "active" metals with free coordination sites, and this limits their catalytic ability. This project aims to prepare a large family of robust organic cages quickly and easily, and subsequently incorporate metals containing free active sites that point into the cage cavity. It is expected that this will deliver strong and selective guest binding, and efficient and selective catalysis.Read moreRead less
Complementary pairs for next generation self-assembled systems . This project will employ a set of complementary pairings where separate sites fit together at metal ions in a specific fashion orthogonal to other pairings, like two jigsaw pieces, while forming a poor fit with other pairings. These pairings will allow retention and transfer of structural information. In this way, the bulk combination of relatively simple precursors will lead to self-assembled structures with well-defined seque ....Complementary pairs for next generation self-assembled systems . This project will employ a set of complementary pairings where separate sites fit together at metal ions in a specific fashion orthogonal to other pairings, like two jigsaw pieces, while forming a poor fit with other pairings. These pairings will allow retention and transfer of structural information. In this way, the bulk combination of relatively simple precursors will lead to self-assembled structures with well-defined sequence identity. This program will make and use complex abiotic molecules, enhancing outcomes in molecular information storage and transfer, molecular recognition and sensing, chemical transformations, and energy transport events, leading to economic and environmental benefits for Australia in industry and manufacturing.Read moreRead less
Mixed-Metal Clusters for Catalysis and Optical Applications. This project aims to afford new heterometallic molecular materials as precursors to catalysts and as new optical materials, exploiting oxophilic and carbophilic transition metal atoms for synergistic cooperation in certain catalytic processes, and using the polarity of heterometallic bonds to achieve strong optical limiting. Expected outcomes of this project include cluster structure/composition - catalysis/optical properties correlati ....Mixed-Metal Clusters for Catalysis and Optical Applications. This project aims to afford new heterometallic molecular materials as precursors to catalysts and as new optical materials, exploiting oxophilic and carbophilic transition metal atoms for synergistic cooperation in certain catalytic processes, and using the polarity of heterometallic bonds to achieve strong optical limiting. Expected outcomes of this project include cluster structure/composition - catalysis/optical properties correlations that will signpost the route to efficient catalysts and optical limiters. This Project should provide significant benefits such as chemoselective catalysts needed for pharmaceutical drug and agricultural chemical production, and broad temporal range optical limiters needed for optical device protection.Read moreRead less