Supramolecular Assembly of Low Molecular Mass Organogelators

在这个由化学系大分子，超分子和纳米化学项目资助的项目中，阿克伦大学的Kevin Cavicchi将研究有机凝胶剂超分子组装的基础物理化学。 该方法是制备三酰胺胶凝剂和非挥发性液体聚合物溶剂。 这两个组件系统的相行为将被确定，并为形成有机凝胶的组合，其结构和物理性质将使用热方法，X-射线散射技术，动态力学分析，和显微镜技术的特点。 最终的目标是将定性的凝胶化行为与凝胶因子的超分子组装的化学细节相关联。 更广泛的影响包括培训研究生，教师在PI实验室实习的研究经验，以及通过出版物和在国家会议上的演讲广泛传播成果。这一工作将加深我们对有机小分子的超分子组装如何导致有机溶剂凝胶化的基本理解。 这些研究的结果可能对许多应用产生许多重要的长期影响，包括从水介质中采油、药物输送、化妆品和组织工程。

In this project funded by the Macromolecular, Supramolecular and Nanochemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Kevin Cavicchi of the University of Akron will study the fundamental physical chemistry of supramolecular assembly by organogelators. The approach is to prepare tris-amide gelators and nonvolatile, liquid polymer solvents. The phase behavior of these two component systems will be determined, and for combinations that form organogels their structures and physical properties will be characterized using thermal methods, x-ray scattering techniques, dynamic mechanical analysis, and microscopy techniques. The ultimate goal is to correlate qualitative gelation behavior with the chemical details of supramolecular assembly by the gelator. The broader impacts involve training graduate students, a research experience for teachers internship in the PI's laboratory, and broad dissemination of results through publications and presentations at national meetings. This work will enhance our fundamental understanding about how supramolecular assembly of small organic molecules can lead to the gelation of organic solvents. The results of these studies could have many important long term impacts on many applications including oil recovery from aqueous media, drug delivery, cosmetics and tissue engineering.