Design of Redox-active Metal-Containing Macrocycles and Dendrimers

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The goal of this research is to design new synthetic approaches to making macromolecules that incorporate metallic moieties in their structures. The presence of the metal will facilitate the gain/loss of electrons. The proposed materials will also have properties that are useful in the design of new materials, which foster developments in science and technology. For instance, the polymers capable of detecting carbon monoxide in the environment, encapsulating environmental pollutants such as lead(II), cadmium(II), mercury(II), and phenols, will be designed. We will also design a new synthetic route to polymers that harvest solar energy and use the energy to initiate the flow of electrons as an in electrical conductor. Some of the proposed polymers will have magnetic properties and bioactive properties, as well as high thermal stability. Although, many of these polymers are known and are obtained via laborious synthetic methods, we propose to synthesize these polymers via an innovative, a cost effective and simple method. Our success will greatly reduce the cost of these polymers. Most of these reactions will use iron-containing materials as a mediator since the reaction conditions are mild and the relatively low cost associated with the iron starting materials. Our research laboratory is equipped with the necessary instruments to synthesize and characterize the newly prepared monomers and macromolecules. Both undergraduate and graduate students involved in this research program will acquire the necessary skills that will contribute to the advancement of their future careers in industry or academia.