Synthetic Devices, Systems, Energy and Manufacturing



The Cronin group is developing revolutionary techniques in chemical synthetics which will alow the literal 'evolution' of materials to fulfil a desired function. Using a combination of fundamental insights into the interconnected nature of synthetic reaction networks with the use of purpose designed reaction hardware, our aim is initially the understanding and control of the self-assembly processes and finally the designing of molecular nanoparticles with the desired functionality which will stimulate an impact in modern technologies. In order to do this inorganic nano-sized molecules are being designed and built "to order" to conduct specific tasks at the nano-level. Our highest priority targets tasks involve energy applications (water splitting, storage devices, quantum computing, molecular electronics, catalysis and solar fuel devices).

Recent Papers:

A. R. de la Oliva, V. Sans, H. N. Miras, J. Yan, H. Zang, C. J. Richmond, D.-L. Long and L. Cronin*, ‘Assembly of a Gigantic Polyoxometalate Cluster {W200Co8O660} in a Networked Reaction System’, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2012, 51, 12759-12762. PDF

C. J. Richmond, H. N. Miras, A. R. de la Oliva, H. Zang, V. Sans, L. Paramonov, C. Makatsoris, R. Inglis, E. K. Brechin, D.-L. Long and L. Cronin*, ‘A flow-system array for the discovery and scale up of inorganic clusters’, Nature Chem., 2012, 4, 1037-1043. PDF

M. D. Symes, P. J. Kitson, J. Yan, C. J. Richmond, G. J. T. Cooper, R. W. Bowman, T. Vilbrandt, L. Cronin*, ‘Integrated 3D-printed reactionware for chemical synthesis and analysis’, Nature Chem., 2012, 4, 349-354. PDF

H. N. Miras, G. J. T. Cooper, D.-L. Long, H. Bögge, A. Müller, C. Streb and L. Cronin*, ‘Unveiling the Transient Template in the Self Assembly of a Molecular Oxide Nano-Wheel’, Science, 2010, 327, 72-74. PDF