Polyoxometalate clusters in self-assembling hierarchical architectures: from discrete nanoscopic structures to extended liquid crystaline mesophases

Based on electro- and photochromic properties of polyoxometalates (POM) novel functional materials shall be developed for use in electronic information processing. These materials possess a characteristic self organized hierarchical architecture. Discrete monodisperse giant POM clusters are first assembled from smaller subunits and optimized subsequently. Selected clusters are being encapsulated with surfactants which leads to mesoscopically structured hybrid materials combining the unique electronic properties of POM with mesogenic and rheodynamic properties of surfactants. Novel electro- or photochromic liquid crystalline materials shall be developed as thin films for potential applications in information technology.