Professor Susan V. Olesik of the Ohio State University is supported by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program in the Division of Chemistry to conduct research that focuses on the development of ordered carbon media for separation science. Molecularly-imprinted surfaces based on the self-assembly and self-polymerizing properties of functionalized octatetraynes, and nanofibers with ordered carbon surfaces will be designed and synthesized. Ordered carbon monolithic media for capillary electrochromatography will also be developed using nanoseeding concepts, nanofibers and basic aerogel synthesis. This project entails the basic work of developing methods for the creation of selective chromatographic separation media with homogeneous adsorption sites. Most carbon based chromatographic media is heterogeneous having multiple adsorption sites, and homogeneous surfaces are advantageous for chromatographic applications. The impact of this work lies in, chemical separations, material chemistry, and surface chemistry. New types of chromatographic separations will be enabled, and new insights in surface chemistry will be gained. The inherently interdisciplinary nature of this research will produce students with exceptional training in chemical separations, nanotechnology, and surface science.
