Multiscale Order and Functionality in Multiblock Copolymer Assemblies and Nanoparticle Co-Assemblies

技术总结：随着多嵌段共聚物组装和纳米颗粒共组装中的多尺度顺序和功能性的计划，PI提出通过线性两亲性ABC三嵌段共聚物（设计师软材料）与各种溶胶和金属纳米颗粒（硬组分）的组合，开发一种模块化的自下而上的多功能材料方法。其目的是了解的基本原则，管理的共同组装，同时控制多个长度尺度上的宏观水平，并证明不同的材料与控制的多尺度顺序现象的组合导致独特的，各向异性的属性配置文件往往产生协同效应。从这些考虑中出现的是这样一种观点，即与生物蛋白质机制类似，合成的非天然大分子的单体（嵌段）序列信息可以用于编码关于与不同材料（如陶瓷和金属）的共组装体的分子水平结构和功能的信息。这将导致设计全新的材料类别，其性质在自然界中没有类似物。拟议的研究包括所有必要的有机/聚合物和无机成分的合成，使用各种散射和电子显微镜技术的组装结构的表征，以及包括电荷传输现象和各向异性机械性能的特定性能的研究。跨学科性将是这项工作的一个主要特点。在康奈尔大学，PI处于独特的地位，可以在这个高度跨学科的领域取得进步;该计划将有效利用康奈尔高能同步加速器源（CHESS）等设施以及康奈尔材料研究中心（CCMR）的设施。非技术性摘要：了解不同材料共同组装的基本原理将对发电和存储等广泛领域产生深远影响（电催化、燃料电池和光电子学）或微电子学（光刻和磁存储介质的低成本替代品）。这一建议的一个特别的优势来自于与康奈尔大学和国外（德国美因茨的马克斯-普朗克聚合物研究所）的几个人进行的卓有成效的互动，这些人在各自的领域享有盛誉。拟议的研究计划位于传统上分离的科学学科之间的界面，从而促进教学，培训和学习的跨学科方式，以及研究生和本科生独特的教育体验。它还将涉及人力资源培训和开发的其他组成部分，包括代表性不足的群体的参与、加强研究和教育的基础设施以及工业推广。特别是，由于倍增效应很大，PI将与当地高中教师合作，促进与材料科学和工程相关的问题。 他将与弗吉尼亚州的诺福克州立大学建立混合材料合作，这是一所历史上黑人学院/大学（HBCU），有大量代表性不足的少数民族参与（NSF PREM计划）。

TECHNICAL SUMMARY:With a program on multiscale order and functionality in multiblock copolymer assemblies and nanoparticle co-assemblies the PI proposes to develop a modular bottom-up approach towards multifunctional materials through a combination of linear amphiphilic ABC triblock copolymers (designer soft materials) with various sol and metal nanoparticles (hard components). The aims are to understand the fundamental principles that govern the co-assemblies, to simultaneously control order on multiple length scales up to the macroscopic level, and to demonstrate that combinations of dissimilar materials with control of multiscale order phenomena lead to unique, anisotropic property profiles often resulting from synergistic effects. Emerging from these considerations is a vision that, in analogy to the biological protein machinery, the monomer (block) sequence information of synthetic, non-natural macromolecules can be used to encode information about molecular level structure and functionality of co-assemblies with dissimilar materials like ceramics, and metals. This will lead to the design of entirely new classes of materials with properties that have no analogue in the natural world. The proposed research includes synthesis of all necessary organic/polymer and inorganic components, characterization of assembly structures using various scattering and electron microscopy techniques, as well as the study of specific properties including charge transport phenomena and anisotropic mechanical properties. Interdisciplinarity will be a central feature of the effort. At Cornell, the PI is uniquely positioned to make advances in this highly interdisciplinary field; the program will make effective use of facilities such as the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) as well as facilities of the Cornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR).NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY:Understanding the fundamental principles governing the co-assembly of dissimilar materials will have profound impact in a broad range of areas such as power generation and storage (electrocatalysis, fuel cells, and photovoltaics) or microelectronics (low-cost alternatives for lithography and magnetic storage media). A particular strength of this proposal derives from the continuation of very fruitful interactions with several individuals at Cornell and abroad (Max-Planck-Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz, Germany) who have outstanding reputations in their fields. The proposed research program is situated at the interface between traditionally separated scientific disciplines thus promoting an interdisciplinary way of teaching, training, and learning and a unique educational experience for graduate and undergraduate students. It will also involve other components of training and development of human resources, including the participation of underrepresented groups, enhancement of the infrastructure for research and education, and industrial outreach. In particular, because of the large multiplication effect, the PI will work with local high school teachers to promote issues related to materials science and engineering. He will establish a collaboration on hybrid materials with Norfolk State University, VA, a Historically Black College/University (HBCU) with a large participation of underrepresented minorities, (NSF PREM program).