Laboratory of Functional Supramolecular Systems
Team leader: dr hab. Jan Romański, prof. ucz.
Team leader’s e-mail address: jarom@chem.uw.edu.pl
Brief description of the research topic:
The Supramolecular Systems Design Team focuses on the development of organic compounds capable of effectively interacting with ions. Our research is centered around the creation of molecular receptors whose carefully engineered structures enable the selective recognition of specific cations, anions, and ion pairs. We are particularly interested in designing functional organic compounds for applications in selective extraction of ions from aqueous solutions, their detection (sensing) in organic and aqueous environments, ion transport across membranes, and the removal of harmful or recovery of valuable salts. The molecular structures we develop demonstrate high efficiency even in complex environments, making them promising candidates for applications in environmental protection, biology, and medicine. An integral part of our work is the development of polymeric materials incorporating receptor units. These functional polymers can respond to the presence of specific ions, granting them great potential for use in advanced technologies. The team’s activities are based on multistep organic synthesis, in-depth structural analysis, and thorough investigation of the properties of synthesized compounds in the context of their intended functions. This reflects our comprehensive approach — from molecular design and synthesis, through characterization, to real-world application. Some of our projects are conducted in collaboration with national and international research institutions, enabling the pursuit of interdisciplinary studies. Our goal is to create innovative solutions in supramolecular chemistry that address current scientific and industrial challenges.