The focus of this research will be the synthesis and characterization of polypara(phenyleneethynylenes) (PPE). Acyclic diyne metathesis will afford PPEs, conjugated rigid rod polymers of interest as materials or photonic devices. The polymers will be scrutinized with regard to fundamental optical, supramolecular and phase properties, to gain knowledge about interactions between the rigid rod polymer chains and the influence of these interactions on macroscopic properties.
With this new award, the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program is supporting the research of Dr. Uwe H. F. Bunz of the Department of Chemistry at the University of South Carolina. Professor Bunz will focus his work on developing methods for the synthesis and characterization of conjugated organic polymers known as polypara(phenyleneethynylenes) (PPE). These polymers have potential for the construction of photonic devices that may be of technological importance.
