Current trends in organic/inorganic nanomaterials development – laboratory 1200-PROJ36

1) Development of a synthetic route leading to a given product (the structure of the final compound will be chosen to include both alkyl and aromatic parts as well as few different functional groups)
Retrosynthetic analysis and planning of possible synthetic routes to obtain the proposed final compound. Critical evaluation of the found recipes in the context of available equipment and safety issues. Selection of appropriate recipes.
2) Synthesis and structural analysis of obtained compounds
Conducting a series of reactions leading to a given product. The variety of proposed reactions will require high-level skills of organic synthesis (e.g. anhydrous conditions, elevated/reduced temperatures, ultrasounds). Analysis of the course of reactions using chromatographic techniques and centrifugation.
Isolation of the desired compounds from the reaction mixture using different purifications techniques, e.g. crystallization, extraction, column chromatography, flash chromatography, distillation at reduced pressure.
Analysis of the structure of obtained compounds by analysis of 1H and 13C NMR spectra.
3) Synthesis of nanoparticles
Synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles using methods described in the literature. Determination of morphology (shape, size, and size distribution) of obtained nanoparticles by e.g. TEM and SAXS techniques.
4) Synthesis of hybrid nanomaterials (organic/inorganic)
By performing ligand exchange reaction compounds obtained in point 1 will be introduced to the surface of the nanoparticles.
5) Structural measurements
The structure of the obtained material and its tunability will be determined by performing temperature-/photo-dependent SAXRD and TEM measurements. The student learns the theoretical basis of these techniques and conducts independent measurements of previously obtained materials.
6) Optical properties
Measurements of the changes in the optical properties of materials using e.g. UV-Vis spectroscopy and/or fluorimetry.

All classes can be held online without hands-on work. In such a case discussion about the techniques are expanded.

Type of course

elective courses
supplementary

Prerequisites (description)

Students acquires skills in the fields of: a) Organic synthesis: planning and conducting multi-step organic synthesis of functional compounds, as well as methods of purification and structural analysis of the obtained molecules. b) Synthesis of nanoparticles (spherical gold and silver nanoparticles with various size) c) Preparation of hybrid functional materials comprising nanoparticles and organic ligands d) Independent structural and functional analysis of nanoparticles and hybrid materials, e.g. using x-ray diffractometry and UV-Vis spectroscopy

Course coordinators

Maciej Bagiński
Wiktor Lewandowski
Dorota Szepke

Learning outcomes

Student can independently plan a multi-step organic synthesis using online databases. Student is able to perform various types of organic reactions and choose the appropriate technique to isolate the product from the reaction mixture. Student can analyze the structure of obtained compounds by analyze of 1H and 13C NMR spectra. Student can plan and perform synthesis of nanoparticles of different types using scientific literature. Student can prepare hybrid, organic/inorganic, nanoparticles with controlled structure. Student can independently perform advanced structural analysis of the obtained materials using e.g. x-ray and electron microscopy methods. Student can independently perform advanced functional analysis of the obtained materials using e.g. UVVis spectroscopy and fluorimetry methods.

Assessment criteria

1) 2 colloquia throughout the course of the project; then the mark is calculated based on the % of points acquired in respect of the maximal threshold: 5 (90-100%), 4,5 (80-89%), 4 (70-79%), 3,5 (60-69%), 3 (51-59%)
or
2) a final report (including results of the project) assessment.
Also, the laboratory work of the student will be assessed (can change the mark of colloquia or the final report by plus or minus 0.5 depending on students performance).
Two absences are allowed

Practical placement

Bibliography

[1] A. Vogel, Practical Organic Chemistry, WNT 2006.
[2] J Clayden, Organic Chemistry, Oxford University Press 2001.
[3] Geoffrey A Ozin, Andre Arsenault, Nanochemistry- a chemical approach to nanomaterials, RSC Publishing 2008.
[4] W. Lewandowski et al. Dynamically Self-Assembled Silver Nanoparticles as a ́ Thermally Tunable Metamaterial. Nat. Commun. 2015, 6, 6590.
[5] O. Stamatoju et al. Nanoparticles in liquid crystals and liquid crystalline nanoparticles. Top. Curr. Chem. 2012, 318, 331-393.
[6] J. P.F. Lagerwall, Liquid Crystals with Nano and Microparticles, Series in Soft Condensed Matter, Chapter 16.

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 1200-PROJ36 in USOSweb