Anion-templated functional architectures

This project aims to introduce a new method for preparing large, complex materials from relatively simple precursors. Negatively-charged species, anions, will be used to assemble positively-charged organic molecules into three-dimensional structures, including cages and porous framework materials. It is hoped that this will increase fundamental understanding both of how anions behave, and their use in self-assembly processes. The cages and frameworks made using this approach are expected to absorb a range of molecules including dangerous environmental pollutants, and the industrially-relevant gases, hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The applications of these systems in gas storage and environmental remediation will be thoroughly investigated.