RUI: Self-Assembling Porphyrins and Porphyrin-Modified Peptides and Studies of Their Photoelectronic Properties

超分子定向自组装(DSA)有可能实现具有自我限制尺寸和设计功能的定义明确、调控良好的大分子结构。该项目旨在加深对管理功能单体DSA的基础科学的理解，以及所得到的结构的光子和电子性质。该研究计划的基础是分子建模和设计、构建模块和支架的合成、在不同条件下自组装的光谱表征、以及使用各种扫描探针和电子显微镜对所得组装的结构和物理表征，以及在受控光照和温度下的电子测量。这些研究的重点将是将卟啉组装成一维结构所制成的材料。与光合作用有机体中发现的叶绿素有关，卟啉可以形成具有光物理和光化学活性的结构。研究将集中在卟啉的自组织，以及它们在多肽支架的辅助下的自组装，以控制最终组装的几何和光电性质。此外，还将探索光电特性的潜在机制，以评估构建器件的可能用途，如导电纳米线、太阳能电池和化学传感器。凭借这一RUI奖，多学科活动办公室和有机与高分子化学计划分别支持哈弗福德学院化学、生物和物理系教授卡林·S·阿克费尔德、罗伯特·费尔曼和沃尔特·福克斯·史密斯的研究。这个合作团队正在研究分子自组装现象，通过这种现象，较小的分子自发地组装成结构定义的聚集体。通过控制基本构件的结构和化学性质，掌握设计分子组件的规则，将允许创建具有所需形状、反应性和光子或电子性能的纳米到微米尺寸的组件。这种控制将代表着设计和制造大大小小的设备的一种强有力的方法，在部件的相对位置上具有原子级的精度。博士后研究员将有机会在哈弗福德与经验丰富的教师共同教授课程，为涉及教学和研究的职业提供出色的培训。合作研究工作的方方面面将输出到高中教师的研讨会上，并将接待高中生进行为期六周的暑期研究体验。

Supramolecular directed self-assembly (DSA) has the potential for realizing well-defined and well-regulated macromolecular structures with self-limiting dimensions and designed functionality. This project seeks to develop an understanding of the basic science governing DSA of functional monomers, and the photonic and electronic properties of the resulting structures. The research plan is based on close interplay between molecular modeling and design, synthesis of building blocks and scaffolds, spectroscopic characterization of self-assembly under varying conditions, and structural and physical characterization of the resulting assemblies using a variety of scanned probe and electron microscopies, and electrical measurements under controlled illumination and temperature. The focus of these studies will be materials made from the assembly of porphyrins into one-dimensional structures. Related to the chlorophylls found in photosynthetic organisms, porphyrins can form structures that are photophysically and photochemically active. Studies will focus on the self-organization of porphyrins, and their self-assembly with the aid of peptide scaffolds to give control over the geometry and photoelectronic properties of the final assemblies. The underlying mechanisms of the photoelectronic properties will also be explored, to evaluate possible use of the building blocks for devices, such as conducting nanowires, solar cells, and chemical sensors.With this RUI award, the Office of Multidisciplinary Activities and the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program are supporting the research of Professors Karin S. Akerfeldt, Robert Fairman, and Walter Fox Smith, of the Departments of Chemistry, Biology, and Physics (respectively) at Haverford College. This collaborative team is studying the phenomenon of molecular self-assembly, by which smaller molecules spontaneously assemble into structurally-defined aggregates. Mastery of the rules for designing molecular assemblies, by controlling the structure and chemical properties of the basic building blocks, would permit the creation of nanometer- to micron-size assemblies with desired shapes, reactivity, and photonic or electronic properties. Such control would represent a powerful approach to the design and manufacture of devices big and small, with atomic-scale precision in the relative placement of components. Postdoctoral fellows will be given the opportunity to co-teach courses with experienced faculty at Haverford, providing excellent training for careers that involve teaching and research. Aspects of the collaborative research efforts will be exported to workshops for high school teachers, and high school students will be hosted for six-week summer research experiences.