NER: Dendrimer-Mediated Assembly of Nanostructures

本研究的重点包括四个具体目标。首先，将进行不同直径的γ - fe2o3纳米颗粒的制备，并使用位置交换法在颗粒上涂上阳离子单层。其次，利用树状大分子，将探索这些粒子的自组装，并利用小角x射线散射（SAXS）确定所得材料的有序和粒子间间距。第三，将使用SQUID磁强计对材料的体积特性进行量化。第四，将使用电子束光刻技术创建图案表面，这些图案将用于模板纳米复合材料组装。所得到的系统将使用磁力显微镜进行研究。通过这项纳米级探索性研究（NER）奖，有机和大分子化学计划和化学特别项目办公室正在支持马萨诸塞大学阿默斯特分校化学系的文森特·m·罗泰罗博士的研究。罗泰罗教授将把他的工作重点放在利用纳米颗粒生产定义明确的磁性材料上。材料的粒子间距离将通过使用阴离子树状大分子自组装具有阳离子功能的超顺磁性纳米颗粒来控制。除了材料领域研究的广泛影响外，该项目还为研究生和本科生的多学科培训提供了一个极好的场所。

The focus of this research involves four specific aims. First, the fabrication of gamma-Fe2O3 nanoparticles of varying diameters will be carried out and the particles will be decorated with cationic monolayers using a place exchange method. Second, using dendrimers, the self-assembly of theses particles will be explored and the ordering and interparticle spacing of the resulting materials will be determined using Small Angle X-Ray Scattering (SAXS). Third, the bulk properties of the materials will be quantified using SQUID magnetometry. Fourth, patterned surfaces will be created using electron beam lithography and these patterns will be employed to template nanocomposite assembly. The resulting systems will be studied using magnetic force microscopy.With this Nanoscale: Exploratory Research (NER) award, the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program and the Chemistry Office of Special Projects are supporting the research of Dr. Vincent M. Rotello of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Professor Rotello will focus his work on the use of nanoparticles for the production of well-defined magnetic materials. The interparticle distance of the materials will be controlled through self-assembly of superparamagnetic nanoparticles featuring cationic functionality using anionic dendrimers. In addition to the broader impact of the research in the materials area, the project presents an excellent site for the multidisciplinary training of graduate and undergraduate students.