Research Projects

Rotaxanes, a class of supramolecular architecture, have gained attention for their structural variations and potential applications. These structures consist of a rod-shaped molecule with bulky stopper units called Axel and a wheel-shaped macrocycle that is mechanically interlocked through non-covalent interactions. The dynamic characteristics of Rotaxanes, including several isomers, provide a tool for designing structures like Molecular Machines, Switches, and Shuttles. Amplification of stoppers with redox-active transition metal-oxide clusters can offer an attractive solution for energy storage, allowing for carbon-free sustainable energy generation. This is crucial as alternatives to fossil fuels are the greatest environmental and economic challenge of society today. Replacing conventional bulky organic stoppers with Lindqvist Polyoxovanadate (POV) clusters can incorporate the required redox properties into this supramolecular assembly. POVs are a class of polyoxometalates made up of Vanadium oxide subunits linked by bridging oxides. Recent progress suggests using Lindqvist POVs as a molecular model to study electronic and structural perturbations for oxygen atom vacancy generation on the surface. This approach allows for fine-tuning the synthetic methodology on the surface to enable ligand modification to anchor these as stopper moiety on the Axel. The change in oxidation state distribution from VvV5IV to VIIIV5IV upon oxygen atom removal suggests a change in the electronic environment without structural distortion.