Supramolecular Assembly of Low Molecular Mass Organogelators

在这个由化学系高分子、超分子和纳米化学计划资助的项目中，阿克伦大学的凯文·卡维奇将研究有机凝胶剂组装超分子的基础物理化学。方法是制备三酰胺凝胶剂和非挥发性液体聚合物溶剂。将确定这两个组分体系的相行为，并将使用热方法、X射线散射技术、动态力学分析和显微技术来表征形成有机凝胶的组合的结构和物理性质。最终目标是将定性的凝胶行为与凝胶剂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、教师在国际和平研究所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介绍广泛传播成果。这项工作将加深我们对有机小分子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会对许多应用产生重要的长期影响，包括从水介质中回收石油、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.