Enforced Stacking of Shape-Persistent Macrocycles: A Molecular Approach for Tuning the Structures and Functions of Nanotubular Assemblies

在这个由化学学部大分子、超分子和纳米化学项目资助的项目中，纽约州立大学布法罗分校的龚兵和内布拉斯加州大学林肯分校的曾晓成将开发一种控制合成和组装形状持久的大环分子的总体策略，使其成为含有亚纳米孔的功能性有机纳米管。由于大环的内部和外部可以独立功能化，因此纳米孔的直径和内表面都可以以可控的方式进行修饰。最终，纳米孔将被整合到膜中，并允许水选择性地通过膜运输。更广泛的影响包括研究生和本科生的跨学科培训，将研究纳入教学，向主要是本科院校的学生推广，以及水净化技术的潜在长期影响。在各种合成物和自然物体中都可以发现直径不同的孔。例如，水净化技术利用多孔膜，允许水选择性地通过其他盐和有机成分。在生物学中，细胞膜含有选择特定分子和离子运输的蛋白质孔结构，并且含有比合成孔先进得多的活性功能。这个研究项目将增强我们对如何将分子制备和组装成允许一种分子（如水）运输的孔隙的理解。这项研究将影响我们在这一领域的化学基础知识，但也可能直接应用于利用多孔材料的各种技术，如水净化。该项目还将为分子、生物和物理科学前沿和界面的本科生和研究生提供教育机制。

In this project funded by the Macromolecular, Supramolecular and Nanochemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Bing Gong of the State University of New York at Buffalo and Xiao Cheng Zeng of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln will develop a general strategy for the controlled synthesis and assembly of shape-persistent macrocyclic molecules into functional organic nanotubes containing sub-nanometer pores. Because the interior and exterior of the macrocycles may be functionalized independently, both the diameters and inner surfaces of the nanopores may be modified in a controlled manner. The nanopores, eventually, will be incorporated into membranes and allow for the selective transport of water across the membrane. The broader impacts involve cross-disciplinary training of graduate and undergraduate students, incorporating research into teaching, outreach to students at primarily undergraduate institutions, and the potential long term impacts of water purification technology. Pores of various diameters are found in a range of synthetic and natural objects. For example, water purification technologies utilize porous membranes that permit the selective passage of water over the other salt and organic components. In biology, cell membranes contain protein pore structures that select for the transport of specific molecules and ions and contain active functions that are far more advanced than synthetic pores. This research project will enhance our understanding of how to prepare and assemble molecules into pores that permit the transport of one type of molecule, such as water. The research will impact our fundamental knowledge of chemistry in this area, yet may have direct application to various technologies that utilize porous materials, such as water purification. This project also will provide mechanisms to educate undergraduate and graduate at the frontiers and interfaces of molecular, biological, and physical sciences.