Title: Hybrid Materials for Energy and Photoelectronic applications
Speaker: Prof. Stephen Z. D. Cheng
Time: Dec. 30th 2009, 2:30 PM
Venue: Room A101 At WNLO
Abstract:
The structure, dispersion, and chemical functionality of particles in a material are critical to the material’s properties. We are working to build the scientific and technological foundations of using advanced particles, i.e. C60 and POSS, to develop new, highly functional materials through self-assembly. These efforts have involved developing new synthetic techniques to efficiently and precisely manipulate particles to control their dispersion and structure within a material. Polymer and porphyrin hybrids have been synthesized using C60 and POSS nanoparticles. The polymer materials are capable of assembling into polymer single crystals or micelles in solution. The porphyrin hybrids self-assemble into discotic columnar structures. Finally, C60-POSSconjugate molecules have been synthesized that crystallize into alternating conducting and insulating layers. From these investigations, we will understand how best to chemically incorporate particles into materials for significant technological advancements.
Biography:
Dean, College of Polymer Science & Polymer Engineering, the University of Akron
Member, National Academy of Engineering of the U.S.A.
R.C.Mussion & Trustees Professor of Polymer Science.
Prof. Cheng got his Diploma of Mathematics from East China Normal University, Shanghai in 1977, M.S in Polymer Engineering, Donghua (East China) University, Shanghai, and his Ph.D. of Polymer Chemistry in Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York.
