Since its discovery, Inter-locked has attracted much attention from scientists due to its structural variations and applications. One of its classes of Supramolecular architecture, named Rotaxane, consists of two components: i) a rod-shaped molecule with bulky stopper units termed Axel (dumbbell shape) and ii) a wheel-shaped macrocycle that is mechanically interlocked through non-covalent interactions like halogen bonding ᴨ - ᴨ interaction, electrostatic interactions etc. The amplification of the stopper with redox-active transition metal-oxide can manifest an attractive solution to store energy by conserving chemical energy in the form of electrons in molecular bonds, leading to carbon-free sustainable energy generation. This aspect of modern research is important as we need to develop alternatives to fossil fuels, which is the greatest environmental and economic challenge faced by society today.

We are focused on integrating Polyoxometalate and supramolecular chemistry together for a possible route to developing a more sustainable route to energy storage. Visit/ Join us if you want to explore more about the juxtaposition of two fascinating parallel research fields.

Focused areas of research: Inter-locked molecules, Polyoxometalate, Energy storage, Oxygen atom transfer, Proton-coupled electron transfer.