Thermoanalytical equipment (DSC and TGA) for investigation of composition and physicochemichal properties of novel host-guest materials

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The requested set of state-of-the-art thermoanalytical instruments, Q2000 Modulated Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) and Q5000 IR Thermogravimetry Analyzer (TGA), will be used as a primary tool for the characterization of new materials developed in our emerging group. The materials to be developed are inclusion or coordination compounds with a volatile component (guest or ligand). The obtained information will be used to obtain essential information on the stoichiometry and stability of these delicate, short-lived materials. The results will define the properties, stabilities and behavior (including the way of handling) for each particular material and the sequence of further experiments needed to adequately describe it and evaluate its usefulness for various potential applications: gas storage/separation, encapsulation of molecular species, preservation/delivery of pharmaceuticals, odors and flavors.   Our group will exploit two novel types of hosts: (1) hydrophobic lower peptides and (2) ladder-and-platform low-dimensional coordination oligomers/polymers. We will be one of very few groups in the world to extensively use the methods of thermal analysis in combination with synthetic and X-ray diffraction studies, and the very first research group to identify thermal properties of bulk inclusion materials based on peptides.   The set of two instruments will be controlled from a single computer to allow the collection and comparison of complementary data: the thermodynamic characteristics of phase transitions (DSC) and the stoichiometry of the corresponding reactions (TGA). In addition, the equipment will be used to develop further complex experiments such as the determination of sorption isotherms and phase diagrams.   The requested equipment is critical to start our research as it will be the only characterization facility available in the lab. The equipment will be utilized on a daily basis by all students and fellows working on the project (Discovery Grant proposal) and will both develop their professional, practical skills and give them insight into fundamental knowledge regarding heterogeneous equilibria and thermodynamics.