Advanced Functional Materials and Molecules

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Have an appreciation of the significance and application of supramolecular chemistry, including in dynamic combinatorial chemistry, materials chemistry (e.g. soft materials, porous hybrid and other framework solids), biological systems and the controlled construction of nanoscale entities.
• Explain non-covalent interactions, molecular recognition and self-assembly and how these can be exploited to prepare functional molecules and materials for a wide-range of applications.

Topics covered MAY include; 1.Metal and Covalent Framework and other Porous Materials. Synthesis, properties and applications of modular porous solids such as covalent-organic frameworks (COFs) and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), including supramolecular templating of hierarchically porous solids. Applications to be covered may include: storage and separation of strategically important gases (H2, CO2, CH4), drug delivery, catalysis and energy. For each application the challenges will be discussed and an evaluation of how these can be addressed by the composition and design of the materials presented. The dynamic behaviour of frameworks will also be discussed with respect to the (supramolecular and/or coordination) interactions which sustain the extended network structures. 2.Thin films. We will cover techniques such as CVD, sputter-coating and spray-coating and the chemistry of the precursors used for these methods, and how the films can be used for functional coatings in a range of applications. 3.Heteroanionic materials. Compounds containing anions other than oxygen, or multiple anions. The many applications of such materials, and how their structures and properties differ from monoanionic oxides, and how this derives from the fundamental differences in the anion chemistry. 4.Functional co-ordination and organometallic chemistry – to include topics such as: a.metals in medicine (medical diagnostics/imaging and therapy; metal based anticancer and antibiotic drug molecules); sensing b.molecular transition metal and main group organometallic chemistry and their applications c.development of molecular complexes as precursors for thin films, semiconductors and other functional nanomaterials.

Teaching methods: lectures supported by problem classes, directed reading and BB online support. Learning methods: Independent study, student motivated peer group study, student driven tutor support

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.