Research project P4/11 (Research action P4)
Supramolecular chemistry is the chemistry of interactions between molecules and of entities formed by non-covalent binding of preformed molecules.
The project aims to develop novel systems, to understand the driving forces that promote two-and three-dimensional organisation, to develop methods and tools for investigating, addressing, manipulating, changing these structures, and to exploit their specific properties.
Based on the acquired complementary know how and in number of cases already excellent collaboration between different partners the proposal is designed to develop supramolecular chemistry and supramolecular catalysis.
Emphasis is put on the development of methods to address and manipulate novel supramolecular structures and on the development of novel organic, inorganic and hybrid supramolecular systems, some of which will be based on structuring of polymer matrices. In parallel with a strong synthetic base the understanding of the theoretical aspects and the full characterisation of the ground and excited state properties of these systems is essential in their further development.
Since it will be essential for the further development of large organized supramolecular structures based on associative interactions to employ oligo- and polymeric compounds, a strong polymer synthesis and characterisation base will strengthen the network and definitely add to its scope and possibilities.
To evaluate the catalytic properties and kinetic behaviour in real process conditions of in particular the inorganic based supramolecular systems the participation of groups capable of handling all aspects of such an evaluation is also essential.
The network is therefore structured according to three branches: an organic, an inorganic and a polymer branch with many of the partners contributing to several tasks of the three branches.
There is no doubt that extrapolation of concepts from biochemistry and biology such as host-guest interaction, molecular recognition, and self-organization to chemistry in general and catalysis, photochemistry and photophysics and polymer chemistry more specifically, will give rise to new fundamental knowledge and insights. Furthermore the interaction between organic, inorganic and polymeric systems will lead to new families of advanced materials useful for the petrochemical, chemical, pharmaceutical, food, electronic, opto-electronic and computer industries.
