Overview
Topic status: We're looking for students to study this topic.
Project Summary
This project will investigate the development of efficient and selective anion sensors for the detection of biologically, environmentally and chemically important anions. One route to the development of anion sensing devices is to utilise the unique cavities of intermolecular architectures such as catenanes and rotaxanes to form highly specific anion binding domains. Porphyrins will be incorporated as the signalling unit in these systems to allow for easy detection of anions through either electro- and photo-chemical means. In collaboration with researchers at the University of Cambridge, this project will also look at the attachment of anion sensors to polymer resins, thereby creating more functional anion sensing devices.
Expected outcomes, applications and/or benefits
Students will gain experience in organic synthesis, purification techniques and various analytical techniques such as NMR, UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. In addition some aspects of this work will involve the attachment of anion sensors to polymer supports and their subsequent analysis via High Resolution Magic Angle Spinning NMR.
Required student skills/experience
Completion of first and second year chemistry major units.
- Study level
- Vacation research experience scholarship
- Supervisors
- QUT
- Organisational unit
Science and Engineering Faculty
- Research area
- Keywords
- molecule, anion, organic
- Contact
- Contact the supervisor for more information
Dr Kathleen Mullen
