Supramolecular chemistry, technological applications

The reviews collected in this book convey some of the themes recurrent in nano-colloid science self-assembly, constraction of supramolecular architecture, nanoconfmement and compartmentalization, measurement and control of interfacial forces, novel synthetic materials, and computer simulation. They also reveal the interaction of a spectrum of disciplines in which physics, chemistry, biology, and materials science intersect. Not only is the vast range of industrial and technological applications depicted, but it is also shown how this new way of thinking has generated exciting developments in fundamental science. Some of the chapters also skirt the frontiers, where there are still unanswered questions. 

Due to their unique electronic and chemical properties fullerenes have a tremendous potential as building blocks for molecular engineering, new molecular materials and supramolecular chemistry [54, 133], Many examples of fullerene derivatives (Section 14.1), which are promising candidates for nanotechnological or medical applications, have been synthesized already and even more exciting developments are expected. A detailed description of the potential of fullerene derivatives for technological applications would require an extra monograph. Since this book focuses on the chemical properties and the synthetic potential of fullerenes only a few concepts for fullerene based materials will be briefly presented. 

Another aspect of future applications of supramolecular chemistry, as opposed to classical organic chemistry, is that it opens the possibility for much cleaner technological processes on the one hand, and provides means for the removal of toxic wastes from the environment on the other (see Section 6.3.4)... 

Reviews, 1998, 98, (5) covers several aspects of CDs chemistry while the books listed below mainly present their applications (b) Comprehensive Supramolecular Chemistry, v. 3, J. Szejtli, Ed., Kluwer Academic Publishers, Elsevier, Oxford, 1996 J. Szejtli, Cyclodextrin Technology, Kluwer, Dordrecht, 1988 (c) Cyclodextrins and Their Industrial Uses, D. Duchene, Ed., Edition du Sante, Paris, France, 1987 New Trends in Cyclodextrins and Derivatives, D. Duchene, Ed., Edition du Sante, Paris, France. 1991 (d) W. Saenger, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl., 1980, 19, 344 W. Saenger, in Inclusion Compounds, J. T. Atwood. J. E. D. Davies, D. D. MacNicol, Eds., v. 2, Academic Press. London, 1984, p. 231 K. Harata, ibid., v. 5, 1991, p. 311. 

Almost from the beginning (1) of "host-guest" (2) or "supramolecular" (3) chemistry, this field has been associated with possible technological applications. The fact that molecular recognition can be achieved by systematic variation of the structure of the receptor molecule offers almost unlimited possibilities to design selective receptors. However, the technological application not only requires the selective receptor but also the translation of a molecular into a macroscopic property. Our work involves both the synthesis of molecular receptors (4-8) and their applications e.g. in membrane transport (9), medicine (10), optical (11) and electronic (12) sensors. 

From the early days of supramolecular chemistry the field has been associated with possible applications. This is not surprising as the design of new molecules, and later of assemblies of molecules, is often function driven. Now, after three decades of supramolecular chemistiy, it is interesting to reflect on what has really been achieved in terms of applications. This is the field that 1 have defined as Supramolecular Technology. 

Membrane separation is a relatively new and fast-growing field in supramolecular chemistry. It is not only an important process in biological systems, but becomes a large-scale industrial activity. For industrial applications, many synthetic membranes have been developed. Important conventional membrane technologies are microfiltration, ultrafiltration, electro- and hemodialysis, reverse osmosis, and gas separations. The main advantages are the high separation factors that can be achieved under mild conditions and the low energy requirements. 

Althought this book will not tackle the technological uses of CTI nor its application in supramolecular chemistry, the impressive advances in the development of molecular devices that produce a microscopic motion as well as a macroscopic movement must be cited herein. 

Nanotechnology is a broad area of applied science and technology that focuses on controlling and exploiting the structure of matter on a scale below 100 nm. It has applications as diverse as colloidal science, device physics, molecular biology and supramolecular chemistry. 

The work summarized in this article relates to some of the most exciting areas of supramolecular chemistry. The interdependence of electron-transfer reactions with supramolecular interactions is at the core of the development of switchable molecular devices. Furthermore, research in areas of supramolecular electrochemistry may open the way for technological applications such as responsive (intelligent) materials. A possible impact in the field of electrochemical sensors is also readily visualized from the work described here. 

The application of modified electrodes can be exploited in such technologies as energy storage, microelectrochemical devices, supramolecular chemistry, elec-trochromic displays, electrocatalysis, solar energy conversion and electroana-lysis. ... 

Daniel, M. C. and Astruc, D. Gold Nanoparticles Assembly, Supramolecular Chemistry, Quantum-Size-Related Properties, and Applications Toward Biology, Catalysis, and Nano technology. ChemInform,35(16), no-no (2004). 

Anslyn EV (2007) Supramolecular analytical chemistry. J Org Chem 72 687-699 Czamik AW, Yoon J (2007) Oiemosensors synthetic receptors in analytical sensing applications. In Reinhoudt DN (ed) Perspectives in supramolecular chemistry supramolecular materials and technologies, vol 4. Chichester, Wiley... 

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