Objectives
This research programme concerns the utilisation of supramolecular interactions for the synthesis and positioning of functional assemblies, macromolecules, dendrimers, and nanoparticles. In addition, creating a link of the molecular scale to the macroscopic world is one of the focal points. Ultimately molecular self-assembled architectures may find applications in advanced technologies such as new chip technologies (DNA probes, lab-on-the chip), sensors transistors, data storage, light-emitting diodes, communication technologies, magnetic information storage, photovoltaic cells, and molecular motors and machines.
Global developments on 'self-organised nanostructures' raise the challenge to establish a truly interdisciplinary approach by:
- initiating theme-orientated SONS research projects which merge top-level expertise across disciplines (physics, materials, chemistry, biology etc.) and across national research communities in Europe,
- encouraging bottom-up proposals of the highest quality for multi-disciplinary projects by multi-national collaborations,
- competitively assessing and selecting proposals through a single, transparent, multi-disciplinary and international refereeing process, on the criteria of relevance, quality and excellence,
- coordinating and managing the programme to bring added value to its participants.
Background, relevance and implementation
Self-assembly or self-organisation is a process in which a supramolecular hierarchical organisation is established in a complex system of interlocking components. The mechanism that procedures the organisation is determined by the competing interactions between the components. The hierarchy of interactions determines the hierarchy of levels in the final nanostructured material. Researchers can now design materials that assemble themselves into complex, finished structures. SONS is a rapidly growing field, highlighted in many countries as extremely important in the next decade of science and technology. It offers a great range of potential technological breakthroughs in many areas. It is an example of a subject in which engineering development and the resolution of scientific problems are essential to achieve the objectives.
For this type of research a strong interdisciplinary combination of organic, macromolecular, polymer, supramolecular and inorganic chemistry and physics with engineering from nano to mesoscopic length scales and theoretical modelling is required. This includes the design and synthesis of nano-sized objects (e.g. dendrimers, fullerenes, metallic or semiconducting nanoparticles, proteins, polymers, block copolymers, hybrid systems or nanomagnets). The intention should be to synthesise, in a simple and possibly rational way, supramolecular assemblies that are able to interact on a higher hierarchical level. With such a modular system it is possible to take up the challenge of constructing and studying molecular assemblies of increasing complexity capable of performing increasingly more complex functions.
Via combination of self-assembly with modern micro- and nano-engineering processes these synthetic nano-assemblies must be connected to the outside world. For this purpose existing and new technologies in scanning probe microscopy must be developed and implemented. The fusion of scanning probe techniques with expertise on chemical synthesis and molecular engineering may lead to breakthroughs in the field of molecular electronics, photonic structures, magnetics, organic devices and molecular machines.
Within the programme sub-fields include: nanostructured materials, synthesis of 1-, 2- and 3-dimensional nano-objects, positioning of 1-, 2- and 3-dimensional nano-objects, theoretical methods and simulation, molecular manipulation, molecular and supramolecular electronics and motors, (opto-)electronic properties of self-assemblies, self-assembled nanomagnets. |
