9729186 Dunn This project entitled Synthesis and Properties of Continuous Periodic Mesoporous Films focuses on the use of ordered arrays of surfactant molecules as templetes for the three-dimensional polymerization of silicates. Thin films of centimeter dimensions form rapidly by a continuous process on solid substrates. The program consists of three complimentary objectives: to synthesize new mesoporous films, to understand the process of film formation, and to design nanomaterials templated by the mesophase structure to produce metal and semiconductor quantum dots and one dimensional wires in ordered arrays within the silica film. %%% This project will focus on the prospects for creating mesoporous films with unique electrical and optical properties. The mesoporous substrates for quantum dot arrays provides an interesting approach to growing semiconductor nanostructures. The microstructure of mesoporous films offers the possibility of incorporating metals and semiconductors to generate periodic arrays of quantum dots or one-dimensional wires, and of exploring new types of self-assembled optical waveguides. The outcome of this research will be nanostructured films possessing interesting electrical, optical, and catalytic properties. ***
