Directed Nanoparticle Assemblies in Thin Films

技术概述：为了利用纳米粒子的独特特性来制造基于纳米粒子的功能器件，必须在薄膜中高精度地控制纳米粒子组装的宏观有序和方向以及粒子间的有序。基于嵌段共聚物（BCP）的超分子为解决这一挑战提供了独特的机会。系统地研究了小分子负载、NP负载、膜厚度、界面相互作用、溶剂场和样品处理对NP/ bcp基超分子共混物薄膜中分层组装的热力学和动力学的影响。还将开发方法来调整BCP微域内小分子的顺序，从而实现对粒子间顺序的控制。提出的研究将改变我们对混合材料分层组装的现有知识，并使人们能够利用众多现成的NPs的独特特性。非技术总结：提出的研究将为理解支撑多组件复合系统分层组装的基本原理奠定基础，为纳米复合材料的制造建立框架和协议，这将改变可再生能源、微电子和存储行业的设备制造方法。PI将继续致力于指导学生和提高公众对材料科学的认识。她将利用她之前的外展经验和专业知识，与现有的校园外展项目和当地组织密切合作，培养下一代材料科学家。她的推广工作包括开发实验室模块，以加强PI发起的两门聚合物课程；扩大对博士后和高级研究生的职业指导；并通过当地高中的研究机会和研讨会，在年轻一代中推广聚合物科学。

TECHNICAL SUMMARY: To generate nanoparticle (NP)-based functional devices that capitalize on the unique characteristics of NPs, it is mandatory to control the macroscopic ordering and orientation of the NP assemblies and the inter-particle ordering with high precision in thin films. Block copolymer (BCP)-based supramolecules provides unique opportunities to address this challenge. The influence of small molecule loading, NP loading, film thickness, interfacial interactions, solvent fields and sample treatments on the thermodynamics and kinetics of hierarchical assemblies in thin films of the NP/BCP-based supramolecule blends will be systematically studied. Approaches will also be developed to tailor the ordering of the small molecules within the BCP microdomains so as to achieve control over inter-particle ordering. The proposed study will transform our existing knowledge of the hierarchical assembly of hybrid materials and enable one to capitalize on the unique properties of the numerous off-shelf NPs. NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY:The proposed studies will lead to a foundation in understanding the fundamental principles underpinning the hierarchical assembly of multicomponent composite systems, establishing a framework and protocols for the fabrication of nanocomposite materials that will transform approaches for device fabrication in the renewable energy, microelectronics and storage industries. The PI will continue to devote herself to mentoring students and promoting public awareness of materials science. She will take advantage of her prior outreach experiences and expertise and will collaborate closely with existing on-campus outreach programs and local organizations to educate the next generation of material scientist. Her outreach efforts include developing laboratory modules to strengthen two polymer courses initiated by the PI; expanding her existing efforts for career mentoring of postdoctoral fellows and senior graduate students; and promoting polymer science among the younger generation through research opportunities and seminars at local high schools.