Polymer Functionalization of Graphene-like Carbons

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This project aims to expand the applicability of a new material, graphene-like Carbon (GLC), byfunctionalizing it with polymers. The GLC material was recently developed in the labs of 3M Canada, and is agenerally intert, yet conductive coating. 3M wishes to expand the scope of applicability of this new material byinterfacing it with various polymeric structures, in an effort to make it more compatible with bulk polymers orapplicable to sensory devices. The Adronov Research Group has extensive expertise in thepolymer-functionalization of carbon nanostructures using both covalent and non-covalent techniques, and willapply these methods to GLCs. Initially, we will investigate the supramolecular interaction of a set ofconjugated p olymers, including polyfluorene, polythiophene, and polycarbazole with powdered samples ofGLC in an appropriate solvent. Any promising polymer-GLC interactions will then be probed on thin GLCfilms and monitored by surface analysis techniques, such as Raman and IR spectroscopy. In addition, we willintroduce a linker to the GLC surface via an amide linkage that will enable covalent attachment of polymers.The resulting materials will undergo testing at 3M to determine suitability for various applications.