Host-Guest Complexes of Cyclodextrins and Nanodiamonds

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Although the molecular recognition of host and guest molecules is a classic domain of supramolecular chemistry, unexpected new developments and possibilities occur frequently. In this project we will investigate so-called inclusion complexes of cyclodextrins (i.e. carbohydrates) and nanodiamonds (i.e. compact, diamondoid hydrocarbons) which fit like lock and key due to their molecular structure and spontaneously form a strong (yet non-covalent) bond. We will focus on two questions. First of all, by variation of the structures of the cyclodextrins and the nanodiamonds, we want to understand why they form complexes with such high affinity, and how potentially the affinity can be increased even further. Secondly, we will use cyclodextrins to isolate nanodiamonds from crude oil and we will integrate cyclodextrins and nanodiamonds as a binding motif in self-assembled nanocontainers.