Faculty - Zhuo Wang

 

RESEARCH INTERESTS:

Our research involves the design, synthesis and development of new classes of polymers and nanomaterials with well-defined architectures. Of particular interest are polymeric materials with complex molecular structures which offer the possibility of introducing new phenomena, properties and functions. Examples include biopolymers and nanomaterials, metal-containing macromolecules and chiral materials. We will explore the properties and functions of these materials, and seek to understand how they are related to the macromolecular structures, thus providing the basis for the future rational design, efficient synthesis and molecular engineering of polymers and nanomaterials with desired properties and advanced functions.

Successful development of these novel materials will be achieved through efficient integration of modern synthetic organic chemistry with the rapidly evolving polymer and materials science. In addition, new synthetic and polymerization methodologies will be developed, in particular those pertaining to highly regio- and stereo-selective polymerizations as well as catalytic processes.

KEY RESEARCH THEMES:

Design, synthesis and development of new complex macromolecules with well-defined architectures. This includes, among others, polymers of biological and biomedical significance, macromolecules with metal complexes incorporated in the main chain, and chiral polymers and materials. Some of the potential applications include programmed delivery of anti-cancer drugs and therapeutic genes, tissue enginneering, sensing, molecular recognition, and conductive polymeric materials.

Design and synthesis of new building blocks with novel structures and functions, and utilization of these building blocks in the construction, patterning, and engineering of well-defined polymers and nanomaterials.
Development of new synthetic methodology in polymer and materials chemistry.

The multidisciplinary nature of our research will enable students to gain extensive knowledge in polymer/materials, organic, and inorganic chemistry, especially in synthetic methods and techniques, and have valuable exposure to biological and biomedical sciences. Students will also acquire broad experience in various instrumental analysis, characterization, and study of small molecules, macromolecules, and nanomaterials.

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS:

1. Wang, Z.; Masson, G.; Peiris, F. C.; Ozin, G. A.; Manners, I. “Living Photolytic Ring-Opening Polymerization of Amino-Functionalized [1]Ferrocenophanes: Synthesis and Layer-by-Layer Self-Assembly of Well-Defined Water Soluble Polyferrocenylsilane Polyelectrolytes”, Chem. Eur. J. 2007, in press.
    
2. Wang, Z.; Ozin, G. A.; Manners, I. “Synthesis and Layer-by-Layer Assembly of Water-Soluble Polyferroncenylsilanes”, ACS Symposium Series, No. 928; Metal-Containing and Metallosupramolecular Polymers and Materials; Schubert, U. S.; Newkome, G. R.; Manners, I. Eds.; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2006, Chapter 24, page 334 – 355.
    
3. Wang, Z.; Manners, I. “Synthesis and Characterization of Water-Soluble Cationic and Anionic Polythionylphosphazenes”, Macromolecules 2005, 38, 5047 – 5054.
    
4. Wang, Z.; McWilliams, A. R.; Evans, C. E. B.; Lu, X.; Chung, S.; Winnik, M. A.; Manners, I. “Covalent Attachment of Ru(II) Phenanthroline Complexes to Polythionylphosphazenes: The Development and Evaluation of Single-Component Polymeric Oxygen Sensors”, Adv. Funct. Mater. 2002, 12, 415 – 419.
    
5. Crimmins, M. T.; Wang, Z.; McKerlie, L. A. “Double Diastereoselection in Intramolecular Photocycloadditions: A Radical Rearrangement Approach to the Total Synthesis of the Spirovetivane Phytoalexin (±)-Lubiminol”, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1998, 120, 1747 – 1756.

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