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Research Interests:
His research interests are based in the area of organic chemistry which includes synthetic design and the development of new synthetic techniques. Overall a broad view of chemistry is sort toward mechanistic understanding and the implementation of synthetic techniques in molecular design.
Research Interests:
Molecular Design and Reaction Mechanisms
Current Research Projects
Aspects of supramolecular chemistry utilizing cucurbit[ n ]uril (Dr Anthony Day - cross collaboration on some topics with Dr Lynne Wallace and/or Assoc. Prof. Grant Collins)
Development of new methods for explosives and contraband detection based on host-guest interactions (Dr Anthony Day, Dr Lynne Wallace, Kirsten Adelstein, Prof. Chris Lennard, Dr Paul Kirkbride)
Electrochemical remediation processes for treatment of wastewater from explosives manufacturing (Dr Lynne Wallace & Dr Anthony Day)
NTO (nitrotriazolone) is a new insensitive explosive that may replace RDX, the current military standard, in some applications. Due to its high water solubility, the wastewater from its manufacture cannot be treated by conventional means. We have been investigating alternative remediation methods based on electrochemical treatment for NTO, which may also be applicable for other organic explosives. These electrochemical methods are more environmentally friendly, since no additional chemical loading is required, and the only input is electricity.
Synthesis and characterization of new high nitrogen compounds (Dr Lynne Wallace, Dr Anthony Day, Dr Arthur Provatas, Dr Ann-Kristin Larsson)
Insensitive high explosives (IHEs) are an important area of research, due to the increased requirement for safer energetic materials in industrial and defence sectors. Azoxytriazolone (AZTO) is a new chemical species discovered by our research group, and preliminary results indicate it may possess potential as a new IHE. We are studying methods of synthesis of AZTO and other related compounds, and also investigating their solid-state and solution properties.
Synthesis, study and characterization of mono- and di- nuclear cobalt complexes to isolate metallo rotaxanes (a mechanically interlocked metalo architectures) (Dr Mokhlesur Rahman, Dr Anthony Day)
Rotaxanes are of interest for their potential use as molecular switch, nano-shuttles, molecular electronics and molecular muscles. Transition metal complexes as stoppers also offer the possibility for synthesis of metallo polyrotaxane. Moreover, having a transition metal within this supramolecular architecture furnishes it with specific photonic, electric and magnetic properties.
PhD Opportunities and Scholarships available within the Molecular Design and Reaction Mechanisms Research Group
Contact Dr Lynne Wallace , Dr Anthony Day or Dr Mokhlesur Rahman if you are interested in a PhD or Masters by Research in molecular design and reaction mechanisms.
Topics available include:
1. Cucurbit[ n ]uril as a drug delivery vehicle – molecular host-guest interactions with a focus on facilitating bio-protection, bioavailability and slow release.
2. Commercial applications relating to the utilization of cucurbit[ n ]uril as a technological improvement. Areas of interest include, environmental, catalysis, enhancement of analytical processes, sensors, electronic devices, and mechanical devices.
3. Synthetic aspects of new partially substituted cucurbit[ n ]uril and the molecular host-guest chemistry of these new cucurbituril members.
4. Synthesis and study of new iridium complexes for use in supramolecular and medicinal applications.
5. Synthesis of metallo rotaxanes.
Recent Publications
In press
Zheng, L., Zhu, J., Zhang, Y., Zhu, Q., Xue, S., Tao, Z., Zhang, J., Zhou, X., Wei, Z., Lasheng, L., & Day , A. , 2007 Opposing substitution in cucurbit[6]urils forms ellipsoid cavities – the symmetrical dicyclohexanocucurbitt[6]uril is no exception highlighted by inclusion and exclusion complexes, Supramol. Chem 19, accepted Aug.
Journal - refereed
Cronin, M. P. , Day, A. I. , Wallace, L. , 2007, Electrochemical remediation produces a new high-nitrogen compound from NTO wastewaters, Journal of Hazardous Materials , 149(2), 527-531.
Kemp, S., Wheate, N. J., Wang, S. T., Collins, J. G. , Ralph, S. F., Day, A. I. , Higgins, V. J. & Aldrich-Wright, J. R., 2007, Encapsulation of platinum(II)-based DNA intercalators within cucurbit[6,7,8]urils, Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry , 12(7) , 969-979.
Grants
A. Day, Curcurbit(n)uril as an Artificial Muscle Component Special Research Grant, 2008.
A. Day, Advanced Forms of Cucurbit[n]uril, Rector's Start-Op grant.
L. Wallace & A. Day, Further investigations on azoxytriazolone (AZTO), a promising new energetic molecule discovered at UNSW@ADFA, Defence-Related Research Funding Scheme Grants, 2008.
L. Wallace & A. Day, Investigations on Azoxytriazolone (AZTO), a New Molecule Synthesised at UNSW@ADFA, Defence-Related Research Funding Scheme Grants, 2007.