Topography and Topology: Unusual Playground for Chromophores

Abstract

When chemists think about the synthesis of functional organic molecules with tailor-made properties, they typically start with an established structure and add substituents to achieve the desired outcome. However, materials made of carbon allotropes, such as fullerenes or carbon nanotubes, can achieve a variety of properties without installing substituents. Inspired by the different shapes and topologies one can find in these carbon allotropes, I will share a few recent examples form my lab’s research to demonstrate that concepts like symmetry, curvature, and topology could be used to accomplish new types of materials with emerging properties that we wish to use in light energy conversion, gas separation, or catalysis. The talk will thus provide a blend of organic synthesis, crystal structures, spectroscopy, and calculations.