Event Title
Helical Channels in Molecular Co-Crystals
Location
Science Center A255
Start Date
9-26-2014 1:30 PM
End Date
9-26-2014 3:20 PM
Abstract
Idealized crystalline solids are those in which the positions of all of the atoms can be described by the repeated stacking of a building block known as the unit cell. That said, most real solids with potential technological applications do not adhere to such a simple definition. Our research group studies the complex packing of propeller-shaped molecules that tend to crystallize with nanometerscale channels capable of adsorbing other small molecules or ions. The ‘guest’ molecules are often disordered with respect to the structure of the ‘host’ material, which challenges our understanding of their positions, orientations and chemical interactions. My project involves the study of crystals formed by combining two propeller-shaped molecules, one bearing a positive charge. Xray diffraction analysis of the prototype material revealed a columnar structure assembled from helices that enclose channels containing disordered negative ions. My investigations suggest the possibility of exchanging these negative ions for others, making the host material potentially capable of sequestering toxic ions from natural waters.
Recommended Citation
Wiscons, Ren; Lai, Holden; Zeller, Matthias; and Rowsell, Jesse L.C., "Helical Channels in Molecular Co-Crystals" (2014). Celebration of Undergraduate Research. 4.
https://digitalcommons.oberlin.edu/cour/2014/panel_02/4
Project Mentor(s)
Jesse L.C. Rowsell, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Matthias Zeller, Chemistry, Youngstown State University
Document Type
Presentation
Helical Channels in Molecular Co-Crystals
Science Center A255
Idealized crystalline solids are those in which the positions of all of the atoms can be described by the repeated stacking of a building block known as the unit cell. That said, most real solids with potential technological applications do not adhere to such a simple definition. Our research group studies the complex packing of propeller-shaped molecules that tend to crystallize with nanometerscale channels capable of adsorbing other small molecules or ions. The ‘guest’ molecules are often disordered with respect to the structure of the ‘host’ material, which challenges our understanding of their positions, orientations and chemical interactions. My project involves the study of crystals formed by combining two propeller-shaped molecules, one bearing a positive charge. Xray diffraction analysis of the prototype material revealed a columnar structure assembled from helices that enclose channels containing disordered negative ions. My investigations suggest the possibility of exchanging these negative ions for others, making the host material potentially capable of sequestering toxic ions from natural waters.
Notes
Session I, Panel 2 - Environmental Factors: Crystals, Cadmium, Kinship