Molecular self-assembly is a process in which molecules spontaneously form ordered aggregates, the process of which is important in the natural world, considering those ordered systems and complex architectures contained in a living cell. The goal of chemists is to design simple molecules or chemical systems that can undergo molecular self-assembly on account of a range of weak noncovalent intermolecular interactions. If the artificial molecules can not only interact with other compounds (heterophilic recognition), but also with themselves (homophilic recognition), the chameleonic nature of such molecules would make them an ideal, though rare, object for constructing elegant self-assembly structures. In this thesis, a class of cationic perylene-like molecules ─ namely, the diazaperopyrenium dication (DAPP2+), empowered with chameleonic property, is explored holistically, starting with the tracing of the evolution of perylene derivatives in Chapter 1, which covers their origins and current research initiatives using perylene diimides (PDI) and their derivatives. Chapter 2 focuses on the design of an asymmetric cyclophane based on DAPP2+ and the detailed photophysical processes and their mechanisms involved in the cyclophane by excited with multiple wavelength of light. Chapter 3 explores the homophilic recognition of the molecule in the context of MIMs. Such special recognition between the DAPP2+ molecule themselves makes it possible to the success of synthesis of a highly positive charged homo[2]catenane. The photophysical properties of the catenane have been discussed as well. Chapter 4 demonstrates a novel type of water-stable anionic mesoporous MOF based on uranium and featuring tbo-type topology. The capability of this new uranium-based MOF of absorbing positively charged ions selectively over negatively charged ones has also been reported. Chapter 5 outlines a new methodology to grow CD-MOFs in an epitaxial fashion as films on the surfaces of glass substrates.

Creator

• gong, xirui

DOI

• https://doi.org/10.21985/n2-dzr2-9y24

Subject

• Chemistry

Language

• en

Alternate Identifier

• http://dissertations.umi.com/northwestern:14747
• etdadmin_upload_675818

Keyword

• self-assembly
• host-guest chemistry
• homophilic recognition

Date created

• 2019-01-01

Resource type

• Dissertation

Rights statement

• In Copyright