From Simple Discrete Metal Complexes to Supramolecular Assembly and Nanostructures

Abstract

Recent works in our laboratory have shown that novel classes of chromophoric and luminescent metal-containing molecular materials could be assembled through the use of various metal-ligand chromophoric building blocks. In this presentation, various design and synthetic strategies will be described. A number of these simple discrete metal complexes are found to undergo supramolecular assembly to give a variety of nanostructures and morphologies. Subtle changes in the microenvironment and nanostructured morphologies have led to drastic changes in both the electronic absorption and emission properties of these supramolecular assemblies. Explorations into the underlying factors that determine their spectroscopic properties and morphologies as well as their assembly mechanisms have provided new insights into the understanding of the interplay of the various intermolecular forces and interactions for the directed assembly of novel classes of metal-containing soft materials and hybrids. The exploration into the potential applications and functions of these discrete metal complexes and their supramolecular assemblies and polymers will also be described.