Functional Polyarylene Networks

1. Plain Nano-onions BODA functionalNano-onions Functional Polyarylene Networks Dennis W. Smith, Jr., Clemson University, DMR-0514622 2 nm Soluble CNO! Transmission Electron Microscopy Multilayered fullerenes known as carbon nano-onions (CNOs) have only very recently been solubilized by functionalization with polymers. Here CNOs have been directly functionalized through the radical addition of the naphthyl radical produced from the Bergman cycloaromatization of enediyne monomers. This method allows for direct covalent bond formation between a conjugated conductive polymer with a very broad light absorbance spectrum and a multilayered fullerene structure, which can act as an electron acceptor component. This morphology may be ideal for Photovoltaic Cells. before centrifugation after centrifugation Nanoletters2006, submitted for publication

2. Functional Polyarylene Networks Dennis W. Smith, Jr., Clemson University, DMR-0514622 Outreach: Activities have focused in three areas: “Paws for Polymers” K-12 Teacher training workshops, “K-12 Tiger Chemistry Road Show”, and the Emerging Scholars Program. The latter involves a three week program at Clemson for low income area high school students in South Carolina. In all these programs, we use polymer technology to convey basic science concepts – a proven approach employed by the International Polymer Education Council. Education: Class room and research education has focused on new polymer courses and undergraduate research programs. Fifteen undergraduate researchers have been supported with NSF funds in addition to four high school students. Course development has resulted in a very popular multi-disciplined polymer science survey course, “Frontiers in Polymer Science”, open to both undergraduates and graduate students. 5th graders and polymers Nylon rope synthesis