Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

Our research program is aimed at making unique molecular assemblies using the same type of intermolecular interactions that give biology its ability to form DNA double helices, and perform complex chemical transformations such as peptide assembly via the ribosome. What differentiates our work from biology is that we are developing functional materials for industrial applications by employing intermolecular interactions to form higher-order assemblies with discrete, efficient, and accessible properties. To date, we have demonstrated that we can embed a luminescent iridium metal centre into a "DNA base-pair" type architectures and use this pairing to modulate colour; we have engineered fluorescent crystalline porous solids for use in small molecule sensing; we have developed porous materials for the containment and safe degradation of chemical warfare agents; we have trained many HQP who now play important roles in our society. In this submission, we propose the development of new materials though three related work packages: new emitters for OLED materials that have self-healing properties, new portable H2 generation/storage materials, and new CO2 activation catalysts. At UNB, our aim is to contribute to a positive environmental impact in device/display fabrication (time, energy, bulk material), contribute to Canada's CO2 reduction by producing clean fuels, and employing catalysts for carbon utilization. Finally, this program will facilitate the most valuable element in our research program, which is the training of skilled and motivated Highly Qualified Personnel. These individuals will emerge from our program as some of Canada's most exceptional scientists whose work will help shape the future of Canadian science and technology.