Objective
This project will investigate the chemistry and physics of molecular quantum rings with radii of 1–10 nm. A quantum ring is a nanostructure that confines electrons to a circular path resulting in unique quantum mechanical behavior. Quantum rings made from metals and semiconductors with radii of 10–500 nm are widely studied. Small aromatic molecules, with radii less than 1 nm, also behave like quantum rings. We will study coherently delocalized rings of intermediate size, that bridge the gap between small molecules and top-down nanostructures. Quantum rings of this size have scarcely been investigated.
We focus on two types of macrocycles: (a) cyclocarbons, i.e. molecular rings consisting only of carbon, and (b) triple strand edge-fused porphyrin nanobelts.
Cyclocarbons have previously been studied in the gas phase and on surfaces at cryogenic temperatures. Recently, we made the surprising discovery that they can be studied in solution at room temperature. We will synthesize supramolecular receptors for encapsulating and stabilizing them, so that their properties can be fully investigated in solution and in the solid state.
Porphyrin nanobelts are the largest neutral molecules to exhibit global ring currents. Nanobelts with many paramagnetic metal centers are expected to exhibit collective delocalized spin waves, with potential applications in quantum technologies. Möbius nanobelts will be synthesized to explore how a twist introduces a phase shift and switches the magnetic behavior.
All these rings will be investigated in multiple oxidation states, to test the effects of adding or removing electrons, focusing on the less-studied 4n+1 and 4n+3 states. The project combines organic synthesis, supramolecular chemistry, computational simulations, NMR and EPR spectroscopy and magnetochemistry. The core objective is to create molecular materials with unprecedented emergent electronic and magnetic properties and to understand their structure-property relationships.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences chemical sciences electrochemistry electrolysis
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics semiconductivity
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-ADG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
OX1 2JD Oxford
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.