The focus of this research is the development of of nanostructures and polymers by means of metal complexation of terpyridal ligands. Using building blocks containing two or more terpyridal units, rigid rod polymers, rings and molecular monolayers will be constructed. The use of carboxylate-substituted terpyridal groups in the synthesis of rings and molecular monolayers will allow the self-assembly of nanotubes and organometallic zeolites. Applications as molecular wires, slow release devices and as channels for cross-membrane transport of ion and molecules will be stressed. Course and curriculum development featuring polymer laboratory and lecture courses will be the focus of the educational component of the award. With this CAREER award, the Synthetic Organic Program, the Office of Multidisciplinary Activities (OMA) and the Office of Experimental Programs to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) are supporting the research and educational efforts of Dr. Debra L. Mohler of the Department of Chemistry at West Virginia University. Professor Mohler will focus her work on developing methods for the assembly of new materials by metal complexation of terpyridal ligands. The resulting nanostructures will be will be examined for the ability to act as molecular wires and slow release devices and as channels for the cross-membrane transport of ions and molecules. The experience gained from the research will be be applied to the development of an undergraduate lecture and laboratory polymer courses.
