Fractal NanoArchitectures: Design, Assembly and Properties

化学系的大分子、超分子和纳米化学计划支持阿克伦大学的乔治·R·纽科姆教授基于依赖于联吡啶-金属-联吡啶构建块连接的多组分、超分子、定向和自组装协议来研究分形纳米和大尺度分子(不同大小的自相似组分)。将特定位置的多个金属中心结合到预先设计的分子阵列或网络中的能力提供了一种微调分子分数维所需物理和化学性质的方法。无论是在构建过程中还是构建之后，在分形框架内引入和交换不同金属的可能性将促进对精确设计的多金属系综的研究，这些系综在分子电子学、自修复框架和纳米水平上的天线整合方面具有分支。还设想了精确的基于图案的分子结构。利用这些带电的多金属晶格形成基于交替带电物种的复合纤维，将被越来越多的高代基于分形的材料所研究。物理性能和用途包括能量存储和释放、分子电子器件、数据存储、太阳能电池纳米组件、传感器和光学显示功能、分子天线和超材料。通过金属胶状相互作用将不同大小的相似形状(称为分形)重复组成的新材料将根据它们的组件相互作用组装起来，例如它们有序地装配、包装和关联的潜力。这将导致用于电子设备和部件的新型高分子，如用于储能的电池、电路中的开关以及微型通信设备中的天线。教育机会来自对所有学术水平的学生和科学家的培训和发展。通过在区域、国家和国际公立和私立学校、大学和会议上的定期演讲来促进教育外展。业界和国际合作继续通过人员和信息交流加强这项研究。

The Macromolecular, Supramolecular and Nanochemistry Program of the Chemistry Division supports Prof. George R. Newkome of The University of Akron to investigate fractal nano- and macroscale molecules (self-similar components at differing size scales) based on multicomponent, supramolecular, directed and self-assembly protocols that rely on terpyridine-metal-terpyridine building block connectivity. The ability to incorporate site-specific, multiple metal centers into a predesigned molecular array or network affords a method to fine-tune the desired physical and chemical properties of the molecular fractals. The potential to introduce and exchange differing metals within the fractal framework, either during or after construction, will facilitate the study of precisely designed multimetal ensembles that have ramifications in molecular electronics, self-repairing frameworks, and antenna incorporation at the nanoscopic level. Precise pattern-based molecular structures are also envisioned. Use of these charged, polymetal lattices for composite fiber formation, based on alternating charged species will be investigated with increasingly higher generation fractal-based materials. Physical properties and uses envisioned involve energy storage and release, molecular electronic devices, data storage, solar cell nanocomponents, sensor and optical display capabilities, molecular antennas, and metamaterials.New materials comprised of repeating similar shapes of differing sizes (termed "fractal") held together by metal glue-like interactions will be assembled, based on their components interactions, such as their potential to fit, pack, and associate in an orderly manner. This will lead to new types of macromolecules for use in electronic devices and components, such as with batteries for energy storage, switches in electric circuits, and antennas in miniature communication devices. Educational opportunities arise from the training and development of students and scientists at all academic levels. Educational outreach is promoted through regular presentations at regional, national and international public and private schools, universities, and conferences. Industrial and international collaborations continue to enhance this research through personnel and information exchange.