CAREER:Asymmetric Functionalization of 2-D Nanomaterials for Tailored Assemblies
Grant
Overview
Affiliation
View All
Overview
abstract
PART 1: NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY In both nature and the synthetic world, particulate materials on the nanoscale play an important role in meeting a wide range of societal needs, from harvesting solar energy to making medicine more efficient to preventing barnacle growth on the underside of ships. As such, controlling how nanoparticles organize into larger structures could lead to major advances in these areas. The research focus of this CAREER project is to develop an entirely new class of tailored nanomaterials and to assemble them into well defined geometries. Specifically, nanosheets that are only a few atoms thick (graphene oxide) will be functionalized on each face with polymers that have different properties (such as positive and negative charges). These unique structures, called Janus nanosheets, will have properties that are not currently accessible with even current state-of-the art technology and have potential to improve the properties of coatings, medicines, batteries, lubricants, etc. Moreover, this work will help researchers across many fields understand how nanoparticle organization influences and dictates properties so they can be improved. This project will afford interdisciplinary training for the next generation of scientists and engineers, as well as engage elementary school students in science through hands-on demonstrations. The PI will mentor researchers at the high school, undergraduate, and graduate levels of their education, develop an after-school interactive class on hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity for elementary school students, and prepare college students for careers beyond academia through a professional development course for scientists. PART 2: TECHNICAL SUMMARY The goal of this research is to develop and evaluate a new class of materials for the controlled spatial and temporal organization of nanoparticles in assemblies, as a route to rationally design and optimize form, function, and application. To this end, Janus graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets will be synthesized by the asymmetric functionalization of the two faces of GO with different polymers. The functionality of these Janus GO nanosheets can be tailored to give unique and well-defined hybrid and responsive assemblies..........
