Recent development in macromolecular synthesis has led to a host of novel materials with exceptional physicochemical and mechanical properties. Dendrimers are highly branched, symmetrical, and monodispersed, with well-defined porous interiors and end groups to accommodate applications in medicine, environment, catalysis, and fundamental supramolecular assemblies.  For sustainable environmental applications, specifically, the amphiphilic properties of dendrimers have been utilized for environmental remediation, namely, humic acid antifouling, oil dispersion, heavy metal sensing, and fullerenol remediation. The physical chemistry of the reversible supramolecular host-guest assemblies between dendrimers and the above complex systems will be discussed. In addition, compared to the most studied poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers, hyperbranched polyethyleneimine displays a superior 'sponge' effect towards hydrocarbons and is economically more viable, both of which features pointing to a great potential for oil spill recovery.Within the realm of energy, applications of new PAMAM dendrimer architectures in energy storage devices such as in lithium-air (Li-O2) and lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have shown promise. A fundamental understanding of the supramolecular assembly of electronically conducting dendrimers with lithium polysulfides in Li-S batteries, and the effect of dendrimer-encapsulated metal nanoparticles as catalysts and functional electrodes in Li-O2 batteries will be discussed. The dendrimer-based nanostructured materials have shown a capacity in improving the cycling performances of the above battery systems. It is anticipated that by using novel dendrimer chemistry and assembly, our research will provide innovative solutions for improving the state-of-the-art of environmental remediation and high energy density applications.

Dendrimer-based supramolecular assemblies: Environmental and energy applications

248th National Meeting (2014)

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