Synthesis and applications of conjugated polymers with controllable microporosity and electroactivity

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Carbon-based nanomaterials constitute the centerpiece of current "nano"-oriented sciences and technologies, the advancement and fruition of which will lead to immediate, visible, and continuing impacts in the ongoing technology developments. Construction of defined microstructures on the nanometer (one-billionth of a meter) scale in a precise and controlled manner is a sine qua non for the technological applications of nanomaterials, while "molecular tailoring" provides the most effective means to achieving this goal. The proposed research will investigate novel conjugated polymer/oligomer-based nanomaterials designed with "intelligences" to show defined structural and luminescence responses to external stimuli (electric or photonic). By means of multi-step organic synthesis, two types of nanostructured organic materials will be prepared and investigated. (i) Microporous network polymer membranes that possess nanometer-scale tiny "pores", the sizes of which can be expanded and contracted under the control of electric potential. Such microscopic behavior mimics that of the skin pores and can be used as a key component for building a novel type of "opto-electronic noses" for sensing various vaporous chemicals. (ii) Linear molecular wires (oligomers) that show multi-stage folding behavior regulated by electric or chemical inputs. These molecular wires are designed to exhibit the Rubik's Snake-like electromechanical properties, and we will explore the use of these materials in fabrication of switchable "nano-containers" to encapsulate and sort out molecular or macromolecular hosts, such as single-walled carbon nanotubes. Implementation of the proposed research program will not only enrich our fundamental understanding on advanced nanomaterials and train highly qualified young researchers, but find wide-ranging applications in cutting-edge technologies such as chemical sensors, molecular switches, artificial membranes and skins, and ultra-miniaturized optoelectronic devices.