Research Area

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Our research is focused on working at the interface of polymer, supramolecular and organic chemistry. Directional weak interactions form the basis of structural evolution and incredibly elegant functions of biological systems. Taking inspiration from nature, our group is exploring uncharted supramolecular assembly of abiotic molecules and macromolecules of diverse nature by exploiting under-explored directional supramolecular interactions to fabricate novel stimuli-responsive hybrid materials with desired properties. Specific emphasis is on understanding the structure, dynamics and functions. We are particularly interested in supramolecular organization of diverse pi-conjugated chromophores and their conjugates with amphiphilic/degradable polymers, as design skills that can control their self-assembly and macroscopic properties are closely related in both organic electronics and in biomedical applications. Towards this goal, we aim at constructing soft organic materials by combining noncovalent synthesis with various controlled polymerization techniques and elucidate their structure-property behaviour. Specific areas of interest are as follows:

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• Programming polymer folding / assembly by specific molecular interactions

• Crystallization driven polymer assembly

• Stimuli responsive biodegradable polymers 

• Functional supramolecular polymers: Design, synthesis and mechanistic understanding

• Multi-component supramolecular assemblies with potential relevance in chiral luminescence, catalysis and light harvesting 

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