Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of Oriented Conjugated Polymer Nanofibers

本项目将详细研究溶液可加工共轭聚合物的化学性质、固态微观结构和宏观电荷输运性质之间的关系。共轭纳米纤维的排列组装将被创建，其性能测量平行和垂直于分子主链方向。微观结构将使用光学和电子显微镜进行检查，特别关注通过低剂量电子衍射和高分辨率电子显微镜观察到的缺陷结构。电性能将在一个频率范围内使用阻抗谱测量。主要感兴趣的材料将是功能化聚（丙烯二氧噻吩）（聚（ProDOT+）），使用在PI实验室设计和合成的单体。本研究项目将提供有关共轭聚合物结构和性质的基本信息；可以导电的塑料。这些材料对包括生物医学电极、化学传感器、晶体管、发光二极管和光伏在内的各种设备都很感兴趣。这些设备改善了医疗保健、国家安全，降低了我们的能源需求。该项目将为科学和工程专业的研究生提供直接支持，并将使目前与本科生的外展活动得以继续。PI的研究小组还将继续与工业和国际合作者进行既定的互动。

TECHNICAL SUMMARYThis project will investigate in detail the relationship between the chemistry, solid-state microstructure, and macroscopic charge transport properties of solution-processable conjugated polymers. Aligned assemblies of conjugated nanofibers will be created and their performance measured both parallel and perpendicular to the direction of the molecular backbone. The microstructure will be examined in using optical and electron microscopy, with a particular focus on defect structures observed by low dose electron diffraction and high resolution electron microscopy. Electrical properties will be measured over a range of frequencies using impedance spectroscopy. The primary materials of interest will be functionalized poly(propylene dioxythiophenes) (Poly(ProDOT+)) using monomers designed and synthesized in the PI's laboratory.NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARYThis research project will provide fundamental information about the structure and properties of conjugated polymers; plastics that can conduct electricity. These materials are of interest for a variety of devices including biomedical electrodes, chemical sensors, transistors, light-emitting diodes, and photovoltaics. These devices are providing improvements in health care, national security, and reducing our energy requirements. The project will provide direct support for graduate students in science and engineering, and will make it possible to continue current outreach activities with undergraduate students. The PI's research group will also continue established interactions with industrial and international collaborators.