Functional nanostructures and chemical systems by confined self-assembly: Construction principles and molecular transport processes

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Self-assembly of organic molecules or colloidal nanoparticles in a confined space represents an efficient strategy for producing novel functional nanomaterials and chemical systems. The aim of this project is to construct new porous materials, which exhibit specific nanostructures with tailored geometries or interactions in confinement. The construction principles underlying the related preparations will be elucidated, and a particular focus will be given to molecular transport analysis, to be systematically investigated by various NMR methods. The latter will serve structural analysis as well as supporting the mechanisms of various related functions.Based on the results achieved previously, we will extend the preparative efforts to more challenging systems with intricate three-dimensional structures of increasing complexity and functionality, which will be accompanied by pore structure analysis through transport studies. The emphasis will be on the following four aspects: A) A series of polymerizable amphiphilic molecules will be rationally designed and synthesized. In conjunction with sol-gel chemistry the self-assembled molecules confined in mesophases will be used to produce well-defined polymeric, carbon and metallic nanomaterials. B) These porous structures will be characterized by NMR diffusion studies and MR imaging to elucidate pore structures, with a particular focus on anisotropic materials and Li+ ion transport exploring their potential as electrolyte materials. C) By using monodisperse droplets in microfluidics as a confined space, uniform functional particles with hierarchical porous structure will be designed, including photonic inverse opal microspheres with controlled internal pore structure, and further extending the approach to MOFs and gold nanoparticle assemblies. D) Diffusion studies will yield structural information about the hierarchical pore systems with the aim to demonstrate functionality, for example controlled gating of pores by anion exchange or water-free ion conducting systems.