Professor Neil Champness

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham

Scientific Background

Research Interests

The research in the Champness group spans supramolecular chemistry, chemical nanoscience and molecular organization. In particular the group focusses on molecular design and synthetic methods, employing self-assembly to create framework materials on surfaces and in the solid-state, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs), and for the creation of interlocked structures in solution.

Research Groups

Neil Champness Group

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: collaborative, goal-driven, understanding.

Provision of Training

I prefer to take responsibility for your development and guidance at first, leading to more independence as the science develops.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I will set out my expectations of your progression on a weekly basis but will always discuss a plan of action together. I have high expectations and will encourage you to your full potential.

Communication

I am happy to discuss issues that are impacting your ability to fulfil your potential or expectations.

Meetings

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me at least once per week. These meetings will be face-to-face. I am usually contactable for an instant response on every working day.

Work Patterns

The timing of work in my lab is completely flexible, and (other than attending pre-arranged meetings), I expect students to manage their own time.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 1 week's notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5,000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

DNA-MOF composites: Bespoke Biocompatible Materials

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

DNA-MOF composites: Bespoke Biocompatible Materials

Secondary Supervisor(s): Prof James Tucker

University of Registration: University of Birmingham

BBSRC Research Themes:

Renewable Resources and Clean Growth (Bio-energy, Industrial Biotechnology)

Project Outline

We will demonstrate the ability to functionalise the surface of porous metal organic frameworks (MOFs) crystals with de novo designed ‘sticky end’ DNA. Employing the ‘sticky end’ approach, distinct MOF crystals with compatible DNA functionalisation will be joined to form tailored MOF-DNA composites, exploiting the tuneability of MOF porosity, conductivity and reactivity.

MOFs functionalised with DNA have been shown to form composites with nanoparticles [1] but the ability to use related approaches to build composite materials using two different MOFs, or between MOFs and other biocompatible materials have yet to be explored. Our initial investigations illustrate the potential of this approach proving the connection of DNA, tagged with fluorescent groups, to the surface of MOF crystals [2]. This project will study the assembly of DNA-MOFs with i) different compatible ‘sticky end’ DNA-MOFs; ii) DNA-MOF-polymer composites exploiting the interaction between DNA and polymers substrates [3].

The materials will be studied to establish whether DNA functionalisation affects MOF properties, and whether MOF composites retain the properties of the constituent MOFs or whether new emergent properties are observed. Applications in device fabrication for bioremediation, catalysis and sensing will be explored, particularly developing the stabilisation of MOFs by embedding them in a composite material.

This project is a collaboration between the Champness and Tucker research groups, combining expertise in advanced materials science (Champness) with DNA chemistry and design (Tucker). This powerful synergy will offer the student the opportunity to become expert in the broadest range of techniques and skills.

References:

[1] S. Wang et al, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2019, 141, 2215.

[2] Tucker, Champness et al, unpublished results.

[3] C. J. Whitfield, et al, Chem. Rev., 2021, 121, 11030.

APPLY HERE