Nanorod Assembly in Polymer Matrices

技术摘要拟议研究的目的是？聚合物基质中的纳米棒组装？是了解驱动纳米棒组装的基本原理在空间受限的情况下。一个潜在的主题是控制纳米棒的位置、排列和包装，以优化目标特性。在这个项目中要进行的工作包括：(1)在限制纳米棒的均聚聚合物薄膜和层状嵌段共聚物薄膜中定向金纳米棒，并测量它们的偏振相关光学特性；(2)应用热力学原理设计嵌段共聚物圆柱形结构域内的金纳米棒系统，研究纳米棒诱导嵌段共聚物形态的相变；(3)研究独特的纳米棒，包括TiO2、带金纳米壳的二氧化硅和Janus纳米棒系统，以探索棒的直径、表面功能和双相表面如何指导嵌段共聚物中纳米棒的位置。该研究的一个成功成果将是利用空间约束精确控制功能纳米棒在聚合物薄膜中的组装。作为概念验证，将制作纳米棒/聚合物器件，并测试其偏振相关光学特性，以证明这些涂层可以用作彩色偏振滤光片。聚合物纳米复合材料（pnc）的应用范围从运动（高尔夫球）到运输（轮胎），因为它们结合了具有协同性能的材料。目前，pnc在信息存储以及电子和能源应用方面引起了人们的兴趣。拟议的研究将为科学家们提供选择材料的规则，这些材料将导致pnc的最佳效率。更广泛的影响包括初高中学生、高中教师和本科生（包括那些代表性不足的群体）的实验室经验。一年一度的中学生科学日(第六届？八年级)将继续在宾夕法尼亚大学学习。此外，还向小学女生介绍了一个名为“工程数学与科学女孩营”（GEMS）的夏令营。与费城中央高中（CHS）的成功合作，已经产生了一个新的创新材料科学课程将继续。未来的计划包括将课程从一个部分扩展到两个部分，发展实验室，让学生接触新的表征工具，以及促进联合研究项目。第一本面向高中学生的材料科学教科书也在计划中。由于CHS吸引了学术上有才华，多元文化和多样化的学生（32%的非洲裔美国人，5%的拉丁裔，50%的女性），这种伙伴关系将对代表性不足的群体的科学和技术素养产生深远而持久的影响。

TECHNICAL SUMMARYThe aim of the proposed research on ?Nanorod Assembly in Polymeric Matrices? is to understand the fundamental principles that drive nanorod assembly when spatially confined. An underlying theme is controlling the location, alignment and packing of nanorods to optimize targeted properties. The work to be undertaken during this project involves (1) orienting gold nanorods in homopolymer thin films and lamellar block copolymer films that confine the nanorods, and measuring their polarization dependent optical properties; (2) applying thermodynamic principles to design systems that incorporate and align gold nanorods within cylindrical domains of block copolymers, and then studying nanorod induced phase transformations in block copolymer morphologies; and (3) investigating unique nanorods including TiO2, silica with a gold nanoshell and Janus nanorod systems to explore how rod diameter, surface functionality, and biphasic surfaces direct the location of nanorods in block copolymers. A successful outcome of the proposed research will be precise control over assembly of functional nanorods in polymer films using spatial confinement. As a proof of concept, a nanorod/polymer device will be fabricated and its polarization-dependent optical properties tested to demonstrate that these coating can be used as color polarizing filters. NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARYPolymer nanocomposites (PNCs) are utilized in applications ranging from sports (golf balls) to transportation (tires) because they combine materials with synergistic properties. Presently, PNCs are attracting interest for information storage as well as electronic and energy applications. The proposed research will provide scientists with the rules for selecting the materials that will lead to optimum efficiency in PNCs. The broader impacts include laboratory experience for middle and high school students, high school teachers and undergraduates including those from underrepresented groups. An annual science day for middle school students (6th ? 8th grade) will continue at the University of Pennsylvania. In addition, female elementary school students are introduced to a summer camp called Girls in Engineering Math & Science Camp (GEMS). A successful partnership with Central High School (CHS) in Philadelphia that has already resulted in a new innovative Materials Science course will continue. Future plans include extending the course from one to two sections, developing laboratories, exposing students to new characterization tools, and facilitating joint research projects. The first materials science textbook aimed at high school students is also planned. Because CHS draws academically talented, multicultural and diverse (32% African American, 5% Latino, 50% female) students, this partnership will have a profound and lasting impact on the scientific and technological literacy of underrepresented groups.