CAREER: Synthesis and Exploration of Graphitic Nanocapsules

在这个由化学系高分子、超分子和纳米化学计划资助的职业项目中，匹兹堡大学的亚历山大·斯塔尔将研究如何合成石墨纳米胶囊，并将它们组装成可以捕获和释放化学物质和材料的纳米胶囊。将合成掺杂氮原子的石墨化纳米微球，并探索氮位的化学衍生化。通过具有双功能的连接体分子，两个杯子将组装成一个封闭的纳米胶囊。这项工作将加深我们对如何产生纳米级结构并操纵它们进行有用的机械功能的基本理解。这些研究的结果可能会有许多重要的长期应用，其中分子的捕获和释放是重要的，包括药物传递、传感和污染物隔离。该教育计划的重点是将实验纳米科学整合到化学专业的四年课程中，然后开发一门顶峰纳米科学课程，学生将在最后一年学习这门课程。

In this CAREER project funded by the Macromolecular, Supramolecular and Nanochemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Alexander Star of the University of Pittsburgh will study how to synthesize graphitic nanocups and assemble them into nanocapsules that can capture and release chemicals and materials. Graphitic nanocups doped with nitrogen atoms will be synthesized, and the chemical derivatization of the nitrogen sites will be explored. Via linker molecules with dual functionality, two cups will be assembled into a closed nanocapsule.This work will enhance our fundamental understanding about how to generate nanoscale structures and manipulate them to do useful mechanical functions. The results of these studies could have many important long term applications in which the capture and release of molecules are important, including drug delivery, sensing, and contaminant sequestration. The educational plan focuses on integrating experimental nanoscience into the four year curriculum of the chemistry major and then developing a capstone nanoscience course that students would take in their final year.