Andrzej Rajca
Professor
Hamilton Hall 818D
402.472.9196
arajca@unlserve.unl.edu
Rajca Research Group
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Recent Publications
Figure 1 – Organic polymer with magnetic ordering
(Science 2001)
Current Research
Our research interest is in the area of organic materials and biomaterials chemistry with emphasis on novel materials with magnetic and optical properties. Rational designs for extended structures (molecules and polymers) with targeted properties and predetermined size/shape in the multi-nanometer range are implemented with the tools of organic synthesis and verified with physical measurements. Current targets include organic and organometallic polymer magnets, strongly chiral materials for optical communications, and magnetic biomaterials such as MRI contrast agents for biomedical imaging.
Figure 2 – Water soluble nitroxide diradical for biological imaging
(Chem. Commun. 2005)
Examples of polymers and molecules recently prepared and characterized in our laboratory are shown in Figures 1 - 3.
Figure 3 – Asymmetric synthesis of [11]helicene
(J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2005)
Outstanding expertise and state-of-the-art equipment in our laboratory, including several vacuum lines, three gloveboxes, SQUID magnetometer, electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometer, multi-angle light scattering, CD spectropolarimeter, electrochemical instrumentation is complemented by multiple collaborations within the US and around the world. Our group website provides detailed background information.
- organic synthesis
- asymmetric synthesis
- polymer chemistry
- organic magnets
- chiral waveguides
- biomaterials
- biomedical contrast agents
A graduate or postdoctoral student in my group can expect to receive training in multi-step organic synthesis and physical measurements of organic materials and biomaterials, including significant exposure to one or more of the following specialties: polymer and macromolecule synthesis with light scattering characterization, asymmetric synthesis with chirooptical characterization, synthesis of magnetic materials and biomaterials with magnetic and electron paramagnetic resonance characterization.
