Interfacial Synthesis of 2D Copolymers Directed by Noncovalent Interactions
Abstract
The correlation of polymer sequence and architecture to macroscopic properties represents a primary tenet of polymer chemistry. To date, researchers have focused on linear and branched polymers. Their studies have taken advantage of well-developed controlled polymerization reactions, and have provided both fundamental insight and commercially useful materials. In contrast, structureÐproperty studies for two-dimensional (2D) organic polymers have been limited by the available methods to access these structures in monolayer form. Compared to the diversity of inorganic 2D materials (MoS2, WSe2, h-BN, borophene, silicene), aside from graphene, the synthesis of monolayer organic 2D polymers is limited to surface chemistries, which are not scalable. Computational studies have predicted a wealth of remarkable properties for 2D structures that cannot be accessed by current approaches, motivating my groupÕs efforts to develop innovative strategies for their preparation. In particular, we are interested in materials predicted to be elastic in response to uniaxial strain, which couple mechanical stimulus to changes in optical, magnetic, or redox properties. Such materials serve as responsive fabrics, coatings, or membranes. To study the effect of sequence on the properties of this promising class of materials, an approach that marries self-assembly and reactivity is required. This proposal describes the photochemically triggered 2D polymerization directed by supramolecular interactions. In the proposed research, we will (1) design and synthesize monomers that self-assemble into monolayers and undergo photochemical coupling in solution or at interfaces; (2) characterize the resulting 2D materials; and (3) elucidate structure-property relationships for these 2D materials. The proposed work will provide synthetic access to stable, structurally diverse 2D organic polymers in their monolayer form, a nearly unstudied class of materials. I anticipate that this research will result in (a) fundamental insight into the properties of 2D materials, (b) design rules for the preparation of 2D copolymers with tailored responsiveness and mechanical properties, and (c) new lightweight, elastic materials with physical or chemical properties that respond to mechanical stress.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1910154
Entities
People
- Julia A Kalow
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Northwestern University
- United States Army