Dissertation topics suggested by the teacher.
Thematic area
Development of light-activated artificial molecular machines to control motion at the nanoscale.
Proposed projects
1) Molecular photorotors able to operate in water.
2) Sunlight-powered artificial molecular motors.
3) Mechanically interlocked molecules to mediate linear transport in compartmentalised systems.
Thesis
During the experimental thesis work, the student will synthesise photoresponsive orgnaic molecules and characterise them by means of analytical techniques such as Nuclear Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The operational mechanism of the molecular device will be unveiled using softwares such as MestreNova, iNMR, Berkeley Madonna and OriginPro. Finally, the results obtained will be arranged in a written thesis report.
Expertise
Upon completion of the thesis work the student will have a consolidated expertise in:
- Multistep organic synthesis methodologies and related purification techniques
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR) in liquid phase and using in situ irradiation
- UV-vis absorption spectroscopy in solution or solid state (thin film or crystal)
- Kinetic studies of photoreactive dynamic systems
- Scientific writing for the preparation of the Thesis report
Recent dissertations supervised by the teacher.
Second cycle degree programmes dissertations
- Azoimidazolium molecular rotary motors powered by visible light
- investigations on the reversibile formation of Fmoc-stoppered pillarplex-rotaxanes: from a model system towards a molecular pump
- Pillarplex rim-iodination and investigations of a controlled threading towards PEG polyrotaxanes
