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Synthesis of Novel Ion Receptors Requesting applications from science or engineering faculty members at institutions serving students underrepresented in science, engineering, mathematics and technology to work on the following projects at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Project Description This project involves the synthesis of novel ion-recognition agents for the selective separation of aqueous ions. Selective separation agents are needed for various applications in the areas of environmental cleanup, waste treatment, nuclear fuel cycles, and national security. Such applications present unprecedented challenges insofar as designing-in the ability to bind only the target ionic species in complex mixtures. As receptor design advances, an experimental effort has been established to synthesize prototype designed receptors for characterization and testing. Molecular designs for advanced receptors present new challenges for synthesis, and it will be the object to devise efficient preparative routes to proposed compounds and to produce useful quantities for experimental purposes. Use of state-of-the-art tools, such as microwave techniques, will potentially enable improved results. Characterization of the compounds will be carried out with such techniques as NMR spectrometry, electrospray mass spectrometry, and various chromatographic methods. ORNL collaborators will perform structural analysis, separations experiments, and thermodynamic studies. Target compound families include, for example, linked thioureas for anion binding and novel crown ethers and calixarenes for cation binding. Laboratory Contact: Bruce Moyer, moyerba@ornl.gov Applicants Responsibilities and Relationship to Project Applicants will receive support under the Department of Energy Faculty Student Team Research Program (FaST) to work collaboratively with the project research team at the Laboratory for up to 10 weeks during the summer of 2008. The exact appointment period in the time frame of June to August will be scheduled by mutual agreement between the host divisions at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the successful applicant. Faculty will be expected to identify students from their campuses to participate in the FaST program. The faculty member will provide some mentorship to students during the summer research activities. The faculty and students must participate as a group and serve their appointments concurrently. It is expected that the faculty member and the students become an integral part of the research team working on this project and that opportunities for continued collaboration may be identified. It will be expected that all participants become familiar with, and adhere to, safety and environmental standards established at ORNL in the course of their work. Qualifications of Ideal Candidates The faculty member is expected to have a PhD degree and postgraduate experience in the area of organic synthesis together with an established publication record. The faculty member's current research pursuits should involve some aspect of chemical recognition, and a working knowledge of concepts in coordination chemistry and molecular design will be helpful. As the research entails organic synthesis, the successful candidate should have recent hands-on experience in a synthesis laboratory. Proficiency with NMR spectrometry and routine characterization tools is expected. Students should be chemistry majors and have advanced through at least a full year of organic chemistry, including the associated laboratory courses. They should preferably have some familiarity with the research environment and routine tools and methods of organic synthesis. An understanding of the characterization of organic compounds by NMR spectrometry, gas chromatography, and other techniques will be needed. Support and Financial Commitments The successful candidate will receive a stipend based on the academic salary, travel expenses to and from the Laboratory, and a housing allowance. Students recommended by the faculty member for participation in the program will receive a stipend of $400/week for each week at the Laboratory, plus a housing allowance, and reimbursement for transportation expenses to and from the ORNL. Funds are provided for this program from the US Department of Energy, Office of Science in partnership with the National Science Foundation, from ORNL, and from other sources.
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Project Descriptions