9733341 Keller Proposed experimental work is aimed at synthesizing solid-state metal-organic framework structures that are topologically similar to silicate minerals such as quartz and/or zeolites, and are expected to exhibit properties characteristic of the structures after which they are modeled, viz., chirality and non-linear optical activity, or microporocity, respectively. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry will be used to study the evolution of solution species into extended solids. Preliminary results suggest that non-covalent interactions such as hydrogen bonding can often determine the final structure. Due to the multidisciplinary approach involving, for example, inorganic and organic synthesis, X-ray crystallography, and materials characterization, research and education will be integrated into a unique educational experience well-suited to the instruction of both graduate and undergraduate students, who comprise collectively, the scientists of the next century. In addition, significant enhancement of the more general undergraduate science education experiences will be realized through the incorporation of technology, history, and "real-life" examples. %%% A basic theme of this integrated research and education program is the design and preparation of solid materials in which atoms and molecules are arranged in particular ways. For example, the construction of scaffold-like materials that will contain cavities capable of absorbing specific guest molecules or ions (like a molecular sponge) may find important uses in environmental remediation or remote chemical sensing. ***
