MSc by Research in Crystallisation and Directed Assembly

University of Leeds

This research group focuses on the application of assembly-based approaches for the generation of new functional materials. When we look at nature, a fundamental feature of many of the materials or matter formed (which range from crystalline solids such as salt, to tightly-packed DNA in chromosomes, functional proteins, bio-membranes, and even macroscopic structures such as bone) is that they display highly organised structures. Interestingly, such materials are often generated by the self-assembly of smaller sub-units, where the composition and geometry of the sub-units dictate how they interact and then assemble. In this way, nature can construct complex materials with remarkable properties that go far beyond that achievable with small molecules. The research within Crystallisation and Directed Assembly takes inspiration from these processes and is investigating how assembly occurs over length scales ranging from the molecular to the mesoscale.