Cucurbitrils for Hardwired Optical and Electronic Self-assembly

We aim to grow specific-sized metal and semiconductor nanoparticles inside rigid molecular cages called cucurbiturils, and subsequently assemble them into functional nano-chains. Combining these filled cages with well-defined connector molecules allows us to precisely define particle geometries, particle separations and particle interfacing. This in turn enables the robust construction of plasmonic optical antennae at visible wavelengths, room-temperature single-electron-tunnelling transistors and combined photovoltaics. Such functional properties open up novel alternative methods for directed assembly using irradiation with precisely-tuned lasers, nano-electrochemistry or ac-electric fields. This approach will constitute the basis of a new nanotechnology platform for organic-inorganic ordered nano-composites.