Project summary:
Anionic boron cluster compounds are cage-like inorganic molecules with a typical polyhedral shape and of roughly nanometer size, which differentiate them from classical inorganic anions. During the last decade, we have been extensively studying behavior of metallacarboranes (COSAN and FESAN mono-anions) and boranes (dodecaborate dianions) in solution or in polymeric materials. The important aspect is their interaction with macromolecules via electrostatic interaction or unique dihydrogen bonding. Recently, we noticed a key-role of counterions to assembling properties of anionic boron clusters. Such nanostructures can be potentially used in medicine (drug delivery, BNCT) or ion-conductive materials (lithium batteries). In the project, a student will synthesize unique hybrid molecules based on parent borane, carborane and metallacarborane clusters. Such molecules should combine diverse functions such as nano-size boron cluster heads, their counterions, linkers with affinity to counterions, linkers to polymer chains, hydrophobic tails, and other functional groups (phenyl boronic acids, etc.).
At least basic skills in nanochemistry, organic or polymer synthesis are required.
References:
[1] Matějíček, P. Curr. Opin. Colloid Interface Sci. 2020, 45, 97; [2] Jianwei Li, et al. Chemistry-A European Journal 2020, 26, 14283; [3] Jianwei Li, et al. Macromolecules 2021, 54, 6867; [4] Medoš, Ž. et al. J. Phys. Chem. C 2022, 126, 5735; [5] Hleli, B. et al. J. Coll. Interface Sci. 2023, 648, 809.
