Dendritic Macromolecules at Interfaces

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The ultimate goal of this project is to understand that interfacial behavior and microstructure of monodendrons in order to immobilize these molecules on an interface. The PI is going to screen various molecular parameters including a generation number of monodendrons, type of terminal groups, spacer length, nature of anchoring groups, and type of functionalized substrates in a search for stable organized interfacial assemblies. These dendrimer macromolecules could be capable of forming organized and stable supramolecular structures at interfaces with the focal anchoring group used for chemical binding to functionally modified surfaces. Interfacial ordering and surface behavior at air-liquid, air-solid, and liquid-solid interfaces will be studied by Langmuir techniques, chemical and electrostatic self-assembly in conjunction with comprehensive characterization with ellipsometry, X-ray scattering, UV spectroscopy, and scanning probe microscopy.This project focuses on the nanotechnology for fabrication of nanocomposite films with molecularly tailored surface properties from dendrimers. Dendrimer polymers with a tree-like architecture are promising candidates for functional supramolecular materials with prospective applications in the fields of drug delivery, molecular coatings, nanochemistry, molecular composites, and light harvesting. A critical step in the development of such applications is the understanding of how these macromolecules can be anchored to solid substrates in a controllable manner.