ICMAB

 

Head: Francesc Teixidor Bombardó

Web

http://www.icmab.es/lmi

About us

The Department of Molecular and Supramolecular Materials incorporates researchers interested in the materials' science applications of molecular systems. Special emphasis is given to the chemistry of boron clusters: their synthesis and applications. Boron cluster chemistry is fascinating, the polyhedral structures displayed, and many of the physical and chemical properties are very much different to their counterparts in carbon chemistry. Thus, different protocols of syntheses to these commonly employed in organic synthesis are needed. We are interested in advancing in this area as this is a required step for the application of these type of compounds. Boron cluster chemistry has expanded in generating new clusters, but substitution reactions in the clusters are in many cases in their infancy. The generation of B-R or cluster C-R bonds is of paramount importance in this department, as it is the development of the supramolecular chemistry of these clusters. Mastering and being able to manipulate these properties will lead to the development of new applications for these clusters. Many, expectedly, not being possible with the conventional organic compounds.

Thanks to the improvements in boron chemistry we have been able to apply these compounds as homogeneous catalysts, extracting agents for nuclear waste pacification, membranes for molecular or ion sensing, , surfactants, doping agents, contrast agents, radiotracers, neutron capture, drugs, in dendrimers and arborols preparation, in surfaces functionalization, among others. The results are highly stimulating and new challenges are in front of us, among them hydrogen storage, CO2 capture, light harvesting, neutron sensors, drug delivery systems, artificial photosynthesis, drugs for cancer treatment, nanosensors, nanoscopic devices with magnetic, electrical, and non-conventional properties. These new applications are plausible and feasible. In most cases we envisage what would be the most adequate candidates to do the job, but they need to be made and the synthetic tools are not yet ready. The researchers in this group aim at producing these tools so to pave the way for a ready application of boron cluster compounds.

The use of metallorganic salts and organometallic compounds to produce new materials and nanoparticles with enhanced properties represents also another part of the interest for researchers of the department. The previous experience in classical organic and organometallic synthesis is applied now using new methodologies to produce new functional organic and ceramic materials.

More information can be found at www.icmab.es/lmi.

 

 

Equipment

Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer

Bruker Avance II 300 MHz:

 

1. Probe BBO 300SB BB-H-D-10

2. Probe QNP 300SB P/llB/C-H-D-05

3. Probe MAS 300SB BL7

4. B-VT2000 variable temperature

5. Probe BBI 300SH-BB-D-05Z

 

UV - Visible spectrophotometer

Shimadzu UV-1700

 

Chromatographer

HPLC Hewlett Packard (HP1100): with quaternary pumping system and with a variable wavelength detection system

 

Gas chromatographer

Shimadzu GC-15A

 

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer

Shimadzu 8300

 

Potentiostat

1. Voltalab 80 PGZ-402: with two reference electrodes: REF 321 (Ag/Agul) an

2. Voltalab PGZ100

 

Coating device

K Control Coater 202: with micrometric coating device of 200 mm

 

Conductmeter

Crison (basic 30)

 

Potentiostat/Galvanostat

EGG Princeton Applied Research (model 273A)

 

Electrochemical source

Amel (model 549-Potentiostat)

 

Automatic potentiometer

with capacity for 7 electrodes (Sirtek) equipped with pH-meter Crison (model micropH 2000)

 

Microwaves reactor

Microwaves reactor L6

 

Photoreactor

Luzchem LZC-4X: equipped with 14 lamps (UVA, UVB, UVC), magnetic stirrer, carousel for liquid samples

 

Centrifuge

Elba 21

 

Ultrasonic bath

Branson 2510

 

Vacuum furnace

Home made cylindrical vacuum furnace

 

Osmometer

Krauer: equipped with a probe for organic and aqueous solvents

 

High pressure reactors

1. Berghof HR 100: equipped with temperature sensor, pressure gauge and rupture disk (pressure 100 bars, temperature 250°C)

2. Two homemade high pressure reactors: operating at 60 atm. and up to 200°C

 

High dilution set-up perfusor

Secura B, Braun Mehringer Ah.: minimum 0,1 ml/h