EAGER: Photoresponsive Polymers based on Photo-induced Proton Transfer

技术摘要：这个迫切的项目的目标是研究一种新的、潜在的通用方法，利用光来改变各种光响应性聚合物的性质。这种方法是基于光诱导的质子转移。光致质子转移将利用PI最近开发的新型光酸来实现。他将尝试展示可逆地改变其机械、几何、电子、光学和/或磁性的聚合物，并在光照射下释放功能分子。聚合物中的光致质子转移可以改变电子结构，诱导离子相互作用，催化化学反应，从而改变所产生的材料的性质。拟议的项目利用了一种新型的光酸，它作为光子和质子之间的桥梁，因此许多聚合物性质可以用光来控制。非技术摘要：拟议的研究将试图提供一种通用的方法，以开发以各种不同的方式响应光的各种聚合物。如果成功，合成的聚合物可能具有有用的机械、电子、光学和生物医学性能。因此，该项目的成功实施可能会在科学界和工业界产生更广泛的影响。参与该项目的研究生将接受聚合物科学、光化学和材料科学的跨学科培训。

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT:The objective of this EAGER project is to investigate a new and potentially general approach of using light to alter the properties of various photoresponsive polymers. This approach is based on photo-induced proton transfer. The photo-induced proton transfer will be realized using novel photoacids recently developed by the PI. He will attempt to demonstrate polymers that reversibly alter their mechanical, geometrical, electronic, optical, and/or magnetic properties, and release functional molecules upon photo-irradiation.Photo-induced proton transfer in polymers can alter electronic structures, induce ionic interactions, catalyze chemical reactions, and thus alter the properties of the resulting materials. The proposed project utilizes a new type of photoacid that works as as a bridge between photon and proton so that many polymer properties can be controlled with light. NON-TECHNICAL ABSTRACT:The proposed research will attempt to provide a general approach to develop various polymers that respond to light in a variety of different ways. If successful, the resulting polymers could have useful mechanical, electronic, optical and biomedical properties. Therefore, successful implementation of this project could have a broader impact in both scientific and industrial communities. Graduate students involved in this project will receive interdisciplinary training in polymer science, photochemistry, and materials science.