CH4MN2: Macromolecular Chemistry and Nanotechnology

Module code: CH4MN2

Module provider: Chemistry; School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy

Credits: 20

Level: 7

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr James Cooper , email: james.cooper@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Adam Bromley, email: a.p.bromley@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 19 June 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

Supramolecular interactions are essential in all living organisms and are of significant importance in the design of the next generation of materials that can adapt to their environment or display responsive properties. Synthetic macromolecules and nanotechnology will play a critical role in new technologies developed in the 21st century, acting as key components in responsive coatings, recyclable materials, batteries and future medicines.����

This module will teach you the fundamental principles of macromolecular chemistry and nanotechnology. The course will outline the design and construction of supramolecular assemblies, materials and receptors, recent advances in the synthesis of functional and degradable polymers. Armed with this knowledge, students successfully completing the course will be prepared for an entry level industrial or research position (e.g. PhD) within these fields.��

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:��

1. Describe the properties and applications of a range of nanomaterials and supramolecular assemblies, including supramolecular polymers, metal–organic frameworks, nanoparticles, mechanically interlocked molecules and synthetic receptors.��
2. Describe, discuss, and explain the molecular design concepts and synthetic approaches involved in the development of advanced polymeric materials.��
3. Critically evaluate controlled free-radical polymerisation techniques such as NMP, ATRP, and RAFT polymerisation against each other and conventional free-radical polymerisation.��
4. Design supramolecular assemblies, molecules or materials to interact with specific targets or behave in a specific manner based on fundamental knowledge of supramolecular and noncovalent interactions.��

Module content

Dr J. A. Cooper (8 lectures): Molecular recognition, thermodynamics of host-guest interactions, self-assembly, supramolecular and non-covalent interactions, and the design, synthesis, assembly and application of supramolecular systems.��

Prof. W. Hayes (8 lectures): Advanced polymer structure design and synthesis including: branched, hyperbranched and dendritic polymers, applications for advanced polymer architectures, healable polymers, and methods for polymer degradation. ��

Dr A. P. Bromley (8 lectures): Living and controlled polymerisation techniques including: living anionic polymerisation, nitroxide-mediated radical polymerisation (NMP), atom transfer radical polymerisation (ATRP) and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerisation (RAFT), and the applications of materials synthesised by these methods.��

Each lecture series will be supported by a workshop, allowing students to practice and apply the knowledge they have gained.��
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Suggested Textbooks (all available in the University library):��

• “Supramolecular Chemistry – Fundamentals and Applications”��(ISBN: 9780198832843), by P. D. Beer, T. A. Barendt and J. Y. C. Lim, is recommended for the supramolecular topic.��
• “Supramolecular Chemistry” (ISBN: 9781119582519), by J. W. Steed and J. L. Atwood, provides a comprehensive introduction to the topic of supramolecular chemistry.��
• “Polymers: Chemistry and Physics of Modern Materials” (ISBN: 9780849398131), by J.M.G. Cowie and V. Arrighi, is recommended for the polymer top