New Microstructures for Old Monomers: Syntheses of Gradient pi-Conjugated Copolymers
Abstract
pi-Conjugated polymers are the principal components of emerging military technologies such as fluorescent sensors for chemical agents, solar cells for battery-free machine operation in the field, and the active matrix of artificial muscles. Despite their many advantages the widespread application of these polymers has not materialized in part due to the limited polymer architectures available. One goal of my research program is to maximize the impact of organic materials by developing improved polymerization methods and expanding the spectrum of available polymers. Current efforts are aimed at exploring the mechanisms of metal-catalyzed chain-growth polymerizations of arenes. The specific goal of this proposal is to utilize these methods to synthesize an entirely new class of organic materials - pi-conjugated gradient copolymers. Gradient copolymers exhibit a continuous change in composition and as a result have distinct thermodynamic and dynamic properties from both block and random copolymers. We predict that these novel pi-conjugated gradient copolymers may solve a long-standing problem with inconsistencies in polymer blend morphology by serving as blend compatibilizers in organic solar cells. We anticipate that the gradient copolymers will also exhibit unique optoelectronic properties. Such breakthroughs could reinvigorate the field of pi-conjugated polymers and lead to superior materials for military technologies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 05, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA534918
Entities
People
- Anne J. McNeil
Organizations
- University of Michigan