12
June 2003
Materials: Networking chemistry
Emerging technologies such as molecular electronics, miniature fuel cells, stereoselective catalysis and nanosensors are creating a demand for complex crystalline structures capable of performing specific chemical reactions. A design strategy called 'reticular synthesis' is being developed to provide such materials, based on the use of small inorganic, metal-organic and organic molecules as molecular building blocks that keep their structural integrity throughout the synthesis. This allows the composition and structure of the material to be tightly controlled, to produce ordered networks designed specifically for their purpose. Yaghi et al. look at recent developments in this field, emphasizing the logical design behind the process.
Reticular synthesis and the design of new materials
OMAR M. YAGHI, MICHAEL O'KEEFFE, NATHAN W. OCKWIG, HEE K.
CHAE , MOHAMED EDDAOUDI & JAHEON KIM
Nature 423, 705–714
(2003); doi:10.1038/nature01650
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