Molecular nanotechnology via surface interactions
Molecular interactions at the surfaces of materials play a critical role in the functionality of both natural and engineered systems. The training network established with EU support of the SMALL (Surfaces for molecular recognition at the atomic level) project has prepared 22 early-stage researchers for innovation in the next generation of molecular sensors, catalytic systems, biomimetics and molecular electronics. Experimental and theoretical investigations of the formation of covalently linked surface networks made important contributions to both mechanistic understanding and existing models. For example, experimental and theoretical studies of factors affecting self-assembly of surface covalent organic frameworks on gold surfaces could open the door to biomimetic systems for sensing and catalysis. Numerous other studies provided insight into the behaviour of supramolecular structures in realistic environments, including the interaction of metal oxides and graphene with water. Applications to solar cells are among the potential exploitation routes. Work related to harnessing the functionality of complex molecules at surfaces led to design and development of new nanomagnetic systems and techniques to study them. Chirality, the existence of two forms of a molecule that are asymmetric and not superimposable, is of critical importance to pharmaceutical development, molecular separation and sensing. Significant research investigated recognition of chirality at surfaces through molecular interactions. Among the many advances, modelling methods extended current capabilities and results produced remarkable agreement with experimental results of molecular behaviour on metal surfaces. Finally, the team made important progress in development of surfaces to exploit molecular recognition in sensors and other devices. Macrocyclic structures were used to form molecular tweezers with potential applications not only in sensing but also in molecular information storage and readout. Work on molecularly imprinted polymers led to groundbreaking results with applications in fields ranging from sensing to photovoltaics. SMALL has fostered the scientific development and career potential of its young fellows in the growing field of molecular nanotechnology. Outcomes support a leading role for Europe in the next generation of innovative devices to address major challenges in fields including biomedicine, energy, green chemical production and the environment.
Keywords
Molecular, nanotechnology, surface, chemical selectivity, biomimetics, chirality
