9217526 Porter The objective of this proposal is to carry out a systematic, multitechnique investigation of the nanometer-scale structural and electronic properties films derived from aniline, functionalized aniline, and aniline copolymers. The study will utilize the techniques of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), tunneling spectroscopy (TS), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). STM and TS provide local, nanometer-resolved structural and electronic information on the material's surface. XPS identifies the chemical state of the polymer films, whereas EPR will be used to investigate the paramagnetic properties of the polymers. The study will begin with the electrochemically plated and free standing films of polymers derived from aniline, hydroxyaniline, and aniline-3- aminophenylboronic acid. The primary goal of this research will be to gain a fundamental understanding of the influence and interplay that the chemical structure has on the nanometer-scale structure and morphology. In addition both the chemical and physical structures will be correlated to the observed macroscopic conduction properties of these materials. This research in an undergraduate, minority institution serving Native Americans will allow the students to participate in contemporary materials research dealing with polymeric synthetic metals. ***
