Shapeshifting Molecular Materials
Lead Research Organisation:
Durham University
Department Name: Chemistry
Abstract
This research will investigate the properties of 'shapeshifting molecules' - single molecules that rapidly rearrange their structures. As an analogy, these molecular rearrangements can be likened to twisting a Rubik's cubes in different dimensions. After each 'twist' occurs, the next 'twist' can occur in any of three dimensions. As a result, the structure can very quickly 'scramble' between thousands of possibilities, each with subtly different shapes.
We hypothesise that the unusual shapeshifting rearrangements of these molecules will give rise to unique materials properties. To investigate this idea, we will synthesise liquid crystals, surfactants, and polymers containing shapeshifting units. By analysing these materials, we will determine if the shape changing at the molecular level leads to dynamic shapes at larger length scales.
By the end of the grant, we will have established whether shapeshifting units have potential to be exploited in soft materials. These fundamental, chemical advances will establish a new research area that will have broad impacts in materials physics and engineering.
We hypothesise that the unusual shapeshifting rearrangements of these molecules will give rise to unique materials properties. To investigate this idea, we will synthesise liquid crystals, surfactants, and polymers containing shapeshifting units. By analysing these materials, we will determine if the shape changing at the molecular level leads to dynamic shapes at larger length scales.
By the end of the grant, we will have established whether shapeshifting units have potential to be exploited in soft materials. These fundamental, chemical advances will establish a new research area that will have broad impacts in materials physics and engineering.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Paul McGonigal (Principal Investigator) |
| Description | - We successfully synthesised fluxional molecules with structural features designed to give them liquid crystal properties. Our analysis so far has revealed that these materials do not have liquid crystalline phases, but instead are liquid over large temperature ranges. We are continuing to investigate this phenomenon. - In related work deriving from this award, we have developed lubricating surface coatings that operate in water to reduce friction between contacting surfaces. The unique aspect of our coatings is that they undergo 'supramolecular repair', i.e., after mechanical wear and tear, they can be restored very easily by adding a some of our coating material dissolved in water. |
| Exploitation Route | - Liquids with large temperature ranges may be off use as solvents at very low temperatures to control chemical reactivity. - The repairable, low-friction materials could improve energy efficiencies and lifetimes of mechanical devices such as motors and bearings. |
| Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Chemicals,Construction,Transport |
| Description | Shapeshifting Molecules |
| Amount | £1,194,269 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/V040049/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2022 |
| End | 09/2022 |