Fractal Nanoarchitectures

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The fields of macromolecular, dendrimer, polymer, supramolecular chemistry, andnanotechnology, are expanding rapidly as they intersect and integrate. The research proposedherein, describes new material construction and analysis. Benefits to the public will arise throughthe reporting of basic scientific results, applied technology, student training, and outreachprograms in this cutting edge field.Intellectual Merit: The proposed activity explores novel and innovative routes to newapplication-oriented materials predicated on logical extensions of foundations in prior results ofthe principal investigator. Terpyridine-based dendritic networks, fractal nanoarchitectural selfassembly,and shape-persistent nanoscale constructs introduce new avenues and concepts formacromolecular construction and utility. Fractal nanomolecular design and syntheses furtherintegrates the spatial arts and mathematics by incorporating self-similar motifs at differentmolecular scales. Melding of supramolecular macromolecular chemistry with that of classicalorganic and inorganic regimes will lead to new thought processes," available methodologies, andbuilding blocks for material and device engineering.Specifically, we herein propose to expand our investigations of branched architectures viadendritic construction based on (1) "dendrimer-to-dendron" connectivity, since we havedeveloped terpyridine-metal-terpyridine assembly of preconstructed dendrimers and dendriticcomponents resulting in novel network-based architectures. Additionally, we intend to (2) extendour studies on fractal architectures for the construction of nanoscopic, precisely positioned,multiple metal arrays; and (3) investigate the potential and effects of incorporation of shapepersistent,terpyridine-based ligands in the construction of polymetallic, hyperbranchedarchitectures.Broader Aspects: Advancement of discovery and understanding of the proposed workwill promote the integration of student training and enrichment, at all education levels, includingK-12, undergraduate, graduate, post-doctoral and visiting scientists (national and international),by providing appropriately staged conceptual and technical scientific challenges. This willfacilitate student competence while instilling and nurturing specific elements of critical thinking,requisite for all disciplines. Participation of underrepresented groups and minorities is encouragedthrough direct support (from additional funding sources) and community outreach projects(primarily through the College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering) and include innercityschool presentations and K-12 teacher involvement that broadly promote scientific andtechnical understanding. Additionally, scientific information about polymeric materials, anddendrimers in particular, is promulgated through the principal investigator's website(www.dendrimers.com ) which currently averages 6,000 - 7,000 visits per month.The Akron-Cleveland metroplex has approximately 3 million residents (a 500 mileradius encompasses 42 % of the US population and 40 % of the Canadian population). Thisprovides a broadly diverse workforce (with unique polymer-related opportunities for regionalinteractions) with close to 2000 polymer companies within 100 miles. The proposed activitieswill enhance the N.E. Ohio workforce through research, training, presentations, and education,thus augmenting the mission of the University of Akron and the U.S. scientific agenda in thecommunity and region.Commercialization of discoveries and technologies arising from the proposed work willbe facilitated by the University of Akron Research Foundation and Office of TechnologyTransfer, in association with the Akron Commercialization Center and the newly-formedMaterials Experiment Station, (all under the auspices of the University of Akron) that iscommitted to aggressive marketing of University research.