Novel functional nanomaterials synthesised via self-assembly of molecular arrays

This inter-disciplinary project, based across the Schools of Physics and Chemistry at the University of Leeds, aims to exploit the nanostructuring of molecular assemblies on surfaces in order to create novel functional 2D surfaces. Nanometre sized ‘building blocks’ formed from organic molecules will be synthesised in Dr Chamberlain’s group and then used to create 2D molecular arrays on a range of prototypical surfaces in Dr Sweetman’s group.  

You will investigate how both the nature of the component building blocks, and the overarching supramolecular structure of the assembly, affect the properties of these new surfaces. This will be done using a range of cutting-edge characterisation techniques allowing us to understand the properties of the new materials both on the ensemble, and single molecule, level.