Investigation of Structure and Electron Transport in Porphyrin and Phthalocyanine Nanostructures

华盛顿州立大学的Ursula Mazur教授和K. W. Hipps教授在化学系大分子、超分子和纳米化学（MSN）项目的支持下进行研究，采用实验和合成相结合的方法来研究卟啉和酞菁纳米结构聚集体的分子和亚分子尺度的化学、电子和材料特性。本研究的总体目标是深入了解：(1)纳米结构中分子的有序、尺寸和形态背后的驱动力，(2)组成不同聚集体结构的分子之间电子通信的性质，以及(3)在不同环境条件下(1)和(2)对聚集体与金属表面接触时电导率（横向和纵向）的影响。提出的研究提供了与电活性有机单体形成纳米结构相关的结构和电子变化的新见解。对形态-结构-功能关系的基本理解可以为特定的电子，光子或传感应用合理设计纳米结构。这项研究的结果将影响现代技术的几个重要领域，包括化学和光传感器、光电池、催化和分子电子学。该项目通过将尖端的纳米能源相关研究与科学诚信、团队合作和领导能力的培训相结合，为学生（研究生、本科生和高中）提供了一个特殊的培训环境。

Professors Ursula Mazur and K. W. Hipps of Washington State University are supported by the Macromolecular, Supramolecular and Nanochemistry (MSN) Program in the Division of Chemistry to conduct research that employs a combination of experimental and synthetic methods for studying the molecular and submolecular scale chemical, electronic, and material properties of porphyrin and phthalocyanine nanostructured aggregates. The overall goal of the proposed research is to attain an in depth understanding of: (1) the driving forces behind molecular ordering, dimensions, and morphology in the nanostructures, (2) the nature of electronic communication between the molecules comprising different aggregate structures, and (3) the impact of (1) and (2) on the conductivity (transverse and longitudinal) of aggregates in contact with a metallic surface under different environmental conditions. The proposed research provides new insights about the structural and electronic changes associated with the formation of nanostructures from electroactive organic monomers. A fundamental understanding of the morphology-structure-function relationships enables rational design of nanostructures for a particular electronic, photonic, or sensing application. The results from this research would impact several important areas of modern technology, including chemical and light sensors, photocells, catalysis, and molecular electronics. This project provides an exceptional training environment for students (graduate, undergraduate, and high school) by integrating cutting-edge nanoscale energy related research with training in scientific integrity, teamwork, and leadership.