Here we propose to use our solid-state oxidative crosslinking process to rapidly micro pattern inherently conductive polymer lines and to prepare inherently conductive polymer nanostructures. Since our solid-state oxidative process involves the use of a processible precursor polymer, we can fabricate polymeric structures from the macro to the nanoscale. Furthermore, the polymerization process we utilize, namely ring-opening methathesis polymerization (ROMP) is living with the capability of the facile preparation of random copolymers. Therefore, we can vary the amount of conductive polymer ultimately ending up in our solid-state crosslinked inherently conductive polymers allowing for us to attain a given optical density and conductivity. We have already found that electrochromic devices prepared from our nanostructured polymers have tremendous potential for achieving submillisecond response speeds. With the ability to prepare macro, micro, and nano lines of inherently conductive polymer, we will be able to study solid-state oxidative crosslinking kinetics (crosslinking propagation rates), and ion diffusion upon redox switching of the polymers across all size scales. Through ion diffusion studies with our Spanish collaborator, Professor Toribio Otero, Director of the Center for Electrochemistry and Smart Materials (CEMI) at the Polytechnic University of Cartagena, we will understand the switching capabilities of our crosslinked inherently conductive polymers and learn strategies to optimize the switching speeds and to test their potential in application areas that Otero is an expert in, namely membranes and artificial muscles (actuators).
Broader Impacts: Due to the high processibility of our precursor polymers, we have the ability to fabricate inherently conductive polymers via our novel process of solid-state oxidative crosslinking into a variety of macro, micro, and nanostructures potentially by numerous techniques. This work could ultimately lead to a procedure by which to mass produce flexible displays, wearable displays, nanodevices, polarizing electrochromic lenses and windows, fast switching electrochromics for laser eye protection, and potentially ion selective membranes and actuators. With the ability to precisely load a given amount of conductive polymer within an insulating polymer through our solid-state crosslinking process, we could potentially have a way to put the material at the percolation threshold in order to generate micron and nanosized on/off switches. Collaborative efforts with a world expert, namely Professor Toribio Otero, on ion diffusion studies of these conductive polymers could allow for us to design and further optimize the next generation of inherently conductive polymer devices with extraordinarily rapid response times for charge/discharge cycles. In addition to laser protection electrochromic goggles and polarizing filters, this work could lead to a new generation of polymeric capacitors and batteries.
Collaboration: Interchange of students with our Spanish collaborators is proposed. Two students from the Sotzing group will spend 3 months/yr in Spain learning about the study of ion diffusion and simulations while also involved in their research. Two students from Spain will spend 3 months/yr in the U.S. studying nano and micro fabrication of inherently conductive polymers and the study of crosslinking kinetics while also carrying out their expertise of research. Within the collaboration, all of the researchers involved in the collaboration will be involved in a two week intensive collaborative effort in Spain for the first year and a two week concerted effort in the U.S.A. for the second year. During these two weeks, we will hold biweekly presentations and intensive training on instrumentation in the respective laboratories, and short courses in both Professor.s areas of expertise.
Diversity: This collaboration between the U.S. and Spain will provide an excellent opportunity for Mexican- American and Puerto Rican-American underrepresented minorities, considering these type students would be fluent in both languages of this collaboration.
