CAREER: Metallic nitride fullerenes: synthesis, characterization, and applications of their polymer nanocomposites

在化学学部有机动力学项目的支持下，南密西西比大学化学系的Paige Phillips教授将研究一类新的“超级分子”——金属氮化富勒烯，这种分子现在可以以克为单位用于实验室规模的研究项目。自1999年发现MNF材料以来，PI一直参与其开发，这使她在了解其物理和化学行为方面具有独特的专业知识。提出的工作代表了一项开创性的努力，系统地表征了MNF纳米材料、其衍生物、薄膜和聚合物纳米复合材料的基本光化学。这项工作也有望对MNF加合物形成的功能化化学知识做出重大贡献。能够通过表面改性可预测地改变MNF的物理和化学性质对于实现这些材料在任何商业应用中的潜力至关重要。PI计划在分子建模和实验之间使用迭代方法，使用经验计算来指导实验设计和试剂的选择。选择反应的基本原理包括高收率和多次加成的可能性，允许二级官能团附着，以及存在支持的初步数据。在这项工作中，PI将开发将MNFs纳入聚合物基质的方法，生成令人兴奋的纳米复合材料，并表征其后续薄膜性能。菲利普斯教授将从事一个项目，预计将产生大量的出版物，演讲和专利，同时为弱势群体提供独特和多样化的教育经验。密西西比州是美国黑人比例最高的州，少数民族人口众多，可以为PI的招募和包容计划吸引参与者。PI的教学和研究计划通过研究和教育的整合促进发现、机会、启发式教学和热情学习。在早期易受影响的学术年龄，PI通过定期雇用学生在她的实验室担任暑期本科生研究职位，促进了高中和较低水平的本科生、女性和少数民族的包容。作为该系唯一的女性化学教授，PI有机会指导希望有女性指导老师的学生。PI一直是化学和生物化学系的毕业生招聘协调员，并以这种身份与更大的密西西比地区科学界建立了牢固的专业联系。作为最近从工业界移植过来的机构，PI还与工业界保持着大量联系，为优秀学生提供实习和合作项目。这个职业项目有一个全面的研究和教育整合计划，它将解决学生教育经历的所有主要方面。

AbstractProposal: 0847481 Date: December 25, 2008PI: Phillips Institution: University of Southern MississippiWith the support of the Organic Dynamics Program in the Chemistry Division, Professor Paige Phillips of the Chemistry Department at the University of Southern Mississippi will work with a new class of "super molecules" - metallic nitride fullerenes - that are now available in gram quantities for transformative lab-scale research programs. The PI has participated in the development of MNF materials since their discovery in 1999, which has afforded her a unique expertise with regard to understanding their physical and chemical behavior. The proposed work represents a seminal effort to systematically characterize the fundamental photochemistry of MNF nanomaterials, their derivatives, thin-films, and polymer nanocomposites. This work is also expected to contribute significantly to the volume of knowledge concerning functionalization chemistries available for MNF adduct formation. Being able to predictably alter the physical and chemical properties of the MNF through surface modification is essential to realizing the potential of these materials in any commercial application. The PI plans to use an iterative approach between molecular modeling and experimentation, using empirical calculations to guide experimental design and choice of reagents. The rationale for the reactions chosen include the likelihood of high yields and multiple additions, enabling secondary functional group attachments, and the presence of supporting preliminary data. During this work, the PI will develop methodologies to incorporate MNFs into polymer matrices, generating exciting nanocomposite materials, and characterize their subsequent film properties. Professor Phillips will pursue a project that is expected to produce a significant number of publications, presentations, and patents while offering underrepresented groups a unique and diverse educational experience. With the largest African American percentage in the United States, Mississippi has a high population of minorities from which to draw participants for the PI's recruiting and inclusion plans. The PI's teaching and research plan fosters discovery, opportunity, inspired teaching, and enthusiastic learning through integration of research and education. The PI promotes the inclusion of high school and lower-level undergraduate students, women, and minorities at early, impressionable academic ages, in part by routinely hiring students for summer undergraduate research positions in her labs. As the only female Chemistry professor in the department, the PI has the opportunity to mentor students who desire a female advisor. The PI has been the Graduate Recruiting Coordinator for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and in this capacity has developed strong professional ties to the larger Mississippi area scientific community. As a recent transplant from industry, the PI also maintains a large number of contacts in industry for internships and co-ops for excellent students. This CAREER program has a comprehensive research and educational integration plan, which will address all major aspects of the student's educational experience.