Understanding the multiscale physicochemical processes that underlie the formation of morphologies and macroscopic physical, mechanical, electrical, and transport properties of soft matter such as polymers, requires a highly integrated approach where theory, modeling and simulation works in concert with precise synthesis, advanced experimental characterization and device measurements. This is the approach we use in the pursuit of understanding how to direct the nanoscale organization and dynamics of macromolecular nanomaterials and their nanocomposites in order to achieve desired structure, properties, and functionality. In this talk I will highlight some of our recent progress for designing novel polymer-based materials targeting applications for energy storage, energy conversion and lightweight structural materials. Because the properties and structure depend sensitively upon intra- and inter-polymer chain and solvent interactions, in-situ multimodal methods are key to experimentally understand and ultimately manipulate these interactions. Our work emphasizes both the development of in-situ capabilities (small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering, impendence and optical spectroscopy, 1st principles-informed large-scale coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations) and the successful application to the design of an electrolyte-free polymeric “smart material” based on a thermo-controllable nanostructure. Overall, this work shows how semiconducting polymer processing can be achieved by utilizing water-soluble conjugated polymers in solutions for self-assembly based fabrication of stimuli-responsive nanostructures and sensory materials.

Directing soft matter assembly for optimizing stimuli-response and properties

254th National Meeting (2017)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.