Porous Molecules and Polymers for Highly Selective Cation and Anion Binding for Sensing and Transport

Shape-persistent organic cages of defined sizes, geometries with functional groups in the interior or the peripheries can be synthesized in high yields using dynamic covalent chemistry. Furthermore, they can be post-synthetically turned into some more robust compounds by e.g. transforming imine to amide bonds. The tailor-made cages show high selectivities for the recognition of guest molecules, both neutral or charged. Especially selective anion recognition for detection and removal is of interest for environmental (e.g. nitrate) or medical purposes (e.g. chloride).

We will synthesize derivatives of shape-persistent organic cages to create new materials for sensing applications of various anions and cations. For example, the cages will be combined with semiconducting polymers to fabricate electrochemical transistors (ECTs).