Project 103: Synthesis and Self-Assembly of Asymmetric Organic Cages

Contact Information:

Assoc. Prof. Shaodong Zhang

Project Description and Objectives:

Unlike the Cross-linked Metal Organic Framework (MOF) and Covalent Organic Framework (COF) that cannot be processed once they are synthesized, discrete organic cages not only have a well-defined intrinsic cavity, but also can be easily processed as they are solvent-soluble and can be melted. Moreover, depending on their interaction with guest molecules, organic cages can be used as a building block to construct guest-responsive supramolecular structures, providing a versatile platform for novel materials discovery. The aim of the project is to design organic cages with asymmetric geometry, which can self-assemble into various hierarchical superstructures with different superlattices. This can be realized by introducing different guest molecules into the cavity of those cages via specific host-guest chemistry.

Eligibility Requirements:

The successful candidates should be fluent in English and will need basic knowledge of organic chemistry, characterization techniques (NMR, Mass Spectroscopy, MALDI-TOF, etc.), or crystallography.

Main Tasks:

Design, synthesis and characterization of precursors, and organic cages under the guidance of the postdocs or Ph.D. students in the group.

Website:

Lab: https://thezhanggroup.sjtu.edu.cn

School: http://scce.sjtu.edu.cn/en/