Non-Covalent Assembly of Functional Nanostructures
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Nottingham
Department Name: Sch of Chemistry
Abstract
This is an application for a European Young Investigator Award for Andrei Khlobystov (AK). Recently the importance of nanostructures such as quantum dots and endohedral fullerenes for various applications (such as high speed electronics, stable memory elements) has been recognised. Much effort has been placed on learning about properties of isolated nanostructures, but the development and understanding of ordered arrays of these materials has just begun to be explored. The central aim of this application is to develop a technology for assembling functional networks of magnetically and/or optically active centres whose quantum states can interact with each other over distances exceeding molecular dimensions. I propose to connect active nano-objects via conducting nanowires through applying coordination and supramolecular chemistry at the nanoscale. There are three major challenges in fabrication of such nanostructures: (1) chemical functionalisation of nanoscopic building blocks for networks, (2) positional and orientational control of nano-objects on the surface, and (3) fine tuning of electronic properties of nanowires mediating interactions in networks. These challenges will be addressed by utilising the versatile coordination and supramolecular chemistry, photo- or electrochemistry on the nanoscale. The new materials are expected to exhibit a range of unusual and testable magnetic, optical and catalytic properties. The metal-directed supramolecular assembly of nanoparticles and nanowires will be used for controlling their alignment. The highly directional coordination interactions between metal functionalised nanoscopic building blocks will allow construction of polymeric architectures with desired topology and geometry. This novel interdisciplinary approach will advance the understanding of fundamental aspects of self-assembly on the nanoscale, and will produce new materials that are commercially useful for applications, such as memory elements, quantum computing, molecular sensors, or optoelectronic devices.
Publications
Fan J
(2011)
Encapsulation of transition metal atoms into carbon nanotubes: a supramolecular approach.
in Chemical communications (Cambridge, England)
Chuvilin A
(2011)
Self-assembly of a sulphur-terminated graphene nanoribbon within a single-walled carbon nanotube.
in Nature materials
Chuvilin A
(2010)
Direct transformation of graphene to fullerene.
in Nature chemistry
Chuvilin A
(2010)
Observations of chemical reactions at the atomic scale: dynamics of metal-mediated fullerene coalescence and nanotube rupture.
in Angewandte Chemie (International ed. in English)
Chamberlain TW
(2011)
A piggyback ride for transition metals: encapsulation of exohedral metallofullerenes in carbon nanotubes.
in Chemistry (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany)
Chamberlain TW
(2010)
The role of molecular clusters in the filling of carbon nanotubes.
in ACS nano
Chamberlain TW
(2011)
Multi-electron-acceptor dyad and triad systems based on perylene bisimides and fullerenes.
in Chemistry (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany)
Chamberlain TW
(2012)
Engineering molecular chains in carbon nanotubes.
in Nanoscale
Chamberlain TW
(2011)
Reactions of the inner surface of carbon nanotubes and nanoprotrusion processes imaged at the atomic scale.
in Nature chemistry
Chamberlain TW
(2008)
Polyarene-functionalized fullerenes in carbon nanotubes: towards controlled geometry of molecular chains.
in Small (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany)
Description | EURYI Award enabled me to pioneer the supramolecular chemistry of carbon nanomaterials and advance the imaging of individual organic and organometallic molecules/clusters by electron microscopy. I have developed approaches for construction of nanoscopic heterostrucutres of nanotubes with a wide range of materials, utilising carbon nanostructures as platforms for bridging the molecular world with the macroscopic world. I have unraveled mechanisms of interactions between carbon nanostructures |
Exploitation Route | My findings are important for advancement of structural characterisation of individual molecules and nanostructures, and linking the molecular world with the macro world via the 1D nanostructures, such as nanotubes. |
Sectors | Chemicals Electronics Energy |
URL | http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/nanocarbon |
Description | European Research Council Consolidator Award |
Amount | € 1,446,100 (EUR) |
Organisation | European Research Council (ERC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | Belgium |
Start | 12/2011 |
End | 11/2016 |
Description | Marie Curie Fellowship for incoming researcher |
Amount | £144,300 (GBP) |
Organisation | Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | Global |
Start | 01/2009 |
End | 12/2010 |
Description | Quantum Information Processing Interdisciplinary Centre |
Amount | £102,600 (GBP) |
Organisation | University of Oxford |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2008 |
End | 11/2009 |
Description | Royal Society Equipment Grant |
Amount | £137,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | The Royal Society |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2012 |
End | 09/2014 |
Description | Nanyang Technological University, Singapore - Dr. Lain-Jong Li |
Organisation | Nanyang Technological University |
Country | Singapore |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Optically transparent, electrically conducting thin films of carbon nanotubes and nanocomposites; support with structural characterization by TEM |
Collaborator Contribution | Device fabrication and characterization of functional optoelectronic properties |
Impact | several high-profile publications (including Nature group journals). |
Start Year | 2007 |
Description | University of Ulm - Prof. Ute Kaiser |
Organisation | University of Ulm |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | I provide nanomaterials for advanced electron microscopy experiments in Ulm. |
Collaborator Contribution | Collaborators in Ulm University (Germany) enable access to cutting-edge electron microscopy facilities essential for my work. |
Impact | Several high-profile publications (including 3 Nature group articles), co-supervision of PhD students. |
Start Year | 2007 |
Description | British Association Festival of Science (Liverpool) 'Wonder in Carbon Land' |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Popular science exhibition to inspire school pupils to study STEM subjects with emphasis on chemistry of nano-carbons Increased levels of interest from general public and schools (6 school visits followed the exhibition). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2008 |
Description | Exhibition in the Nottingham Contemporary Gallery, 'Wonder in Carbon Land' |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | hands-on activities and interactive displays promoting chemistry and nanotechnology high level of public interest |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
Description | International Summer School on Frontiers of Science & Technology of Carbon Nanostructures, (Krutyn, Poland) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | International summer school for young researchers (PhD students and postdocs) to improve understanding of the cutting edge science and technology of carbon materials. New collaborations, intellectually enriching experience for young researchers from different EU countries. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
Description | Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition'Wonder in Carbon Land' |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Over 5000 visitors attended the exhibition, including politicians and media Increased interest in chemistry and technology of nano-carbon from general public, UCAS candidates, research students, media, |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2008 |