Learning objectives
To provide students with a basic experimental and methodological grounding to build up nanostructures provided with inherent function following the “down up” method, i.e. using the assembly of molecules or parts of molecules according to the principles of supermolecular chemistry.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
Introduction to supramolecular chemistry. Solution host–guest chemistry. Molecular Self-assembly processes. Molecular machines and motors. Nanochemistry. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). Metallic Nanoparticles and Monolayer protected clusters (MPCs).
Full programme
- Introduction to supramolecular chemistry. Selectivity. Supramolecular interactions.
- Host–guest chemistry. Cation binding. Anion binding. Ion-pair binding. Neutral-molecule binding. Supramolecular catalysis and enzyme mimics.
- Self-assembly. Biological self-assembly. Self-assembling capsules. Rotaxanes, catenanes and knots.
- Molecular machines and motors; principles and examples. Biological land artificial molecular device interfacing.
- Nanochemistry. Building up of nanostructures: a top-down and bottom-up approach. Top-down methods: outline of the main methods Nanomanipulation. Soft lithography. Bottom-up methods: synthesis of nanostructures through self-assembly of molecular species.
- Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs).
– Metallic Nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization and applications. Monolayer protected clusters (MPCs): synthesis, characterization and applications. Fullerenes and nanotubes. Dendrimers
- From nanostructures to microstructures and macroscopic materials. Present application aspects and future possibilities.
Bibliography
Suggested readings: - V. Balzani, A. Credi, M . Venturi, "Molecular Devices and Machines", Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 2003. - J. W. Steed, D. R. Turner, K. Wallace, "Core Concepts in Supramolecular Chemistry and Nanochemistry". Wiley, 2007.
Teaching methods
The course will be mainly based on front lessons.
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral exam.
Other information
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