The fields of macromolecular, dendrimer, polymer, supramolecular chemistry, and nanotechnology, are expanding rapidly as they intersect and integrate. The research proposed herein, describes new material construction and analysis. Benefits to the public will arise through the reporting of basic scientific results, applied technology, student training, and outreach programs in this cutting edge field. Intellectual Merit: The proposed activity explores novel and innovative routes to new application-oriented materials predicated on logical extensions of foundations in prior results of the principal investigator. Terpyridine-based dendritic networks, fractal nanoarchitectural selfassembly, and shape-persistent nanoscale constructs introduce new avenues and concepts for macromolecular construction and utility. Fractal nanomolecular design and syntheses further integrates the spatial arts and mathematics by incorporating self-similar motifs at different molecular scales. Melding of supramolecular macromolecular chemistry with that of classical organic and inorganic regimes will lead to new thought processes," available methodologies, and building blocks for material and device engineering. Specifically, we herein propose to expand our investigations of branched architectures via dendritic construction based on (1) "dendrimer-to-dendron" connectivity, since we have developed terpyridine-metal-terpyridine assembly of preconstructed dendrimers and dendritic components resulting in novel network-based architectures. Additionally, we intend to (2) extend our studies on fractal architectures for the construction of nanoscopic, precisely positioned, multiple metal arrays; and (3) investigate the potential and effects of incorporation of shapepersistent, terpyridine-based ligands in the construction of polymetallic, hyperbranched architectures. Broader Aspects: Advancement of discovery and understanding of the proposed work will promote the integration of student training and enrichment, at all education levels, including K-12, undergraduate, graduate, post-doctoral and visiting scientists (national and international), by providing appropriately staged conceptual and technical scientific challenges. This will facilitate student competence while instilling and nurturing specific elements of critical thinking, requisite for all disciplines. Participation of underrepresented groups and minorities is encouraged through direct support (from additional funding sources) and community outreach projects (primarily through the College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering) and include innercity school presentations and K-12 teacher involvement that broadly promote scientific and technical understanding. Additionally, scientific information about polymeric materials, and dendrimers in particular, is promulgated through the principal investigator's website (www.dendrimers.com ) which currently averages 6,000 - 7,000 visits per month. The Akron-Cleveland metroplex has approximately 3 million residents (a 500 mile radius encompasses 42 % of the US population and 40 % of the Canadian population). This provides a broadly diverse workforce (with unique polymer-related opportunities for regional interactions) with close to 2000 polymer companies within 100 miles. The proposed activities will enhance the N.E. Ohio workforce through research, training, presentations, and education, thus augmenting the mission of the University of Akron and the U.S. scientific agenda in the community and region. Commercialization of discoveries and technologies arising from the proposed work will be facilitated by the University of Akron Research Foundation and Office of Technology Transfer, in association with the Akron Commercialization Center and the newly-formed Materials Experiment Station, (all under the auspices of the University of Akron) that is committed to aggressive marketing of University research.
