My research is directed towards the design and synthesis of new materials. This work is mainly organic synthesis, but it draws inspiration both from biological chemistry and from solid-state physics. We explore the conformational, electronic and recognition properties of our compounds using a wide range of spectroscopic and analytical techniques.
Encapsulation protects the dye from the environment.
This may modify its properties in a variety of ways and lead to enhanced stability. 2 Insulated Molecular Wires. We are developing routes to insulated molecular wires which consist of conjugated polymers threaded through cylindrical insulating macrocycles. Our approach is to bind the monomer inside the macrocycle, polymerise it to form a sheathed conjugated polymer, then cap the ends to prevent unthreading. Binding is achieved by the hydrophobic effect and polymerisation is done in water.