Paired Ionic-electronic Conductors in Spatially Confined Self-assembling Rod-coil Block Copolymers and Bolaamphiphiles
The target materials and devices offer the potential to address and improve needs ranging from the harvesting and storage of energy to sensing and detection with their resulting societal benefits. A key aspect of these studies is the combination in a single system of both major types of conductivity (ionic and electronic conduction) to create new, effective materials. Students from Cornell University, the University of Chicago and the University of Washington working together in this research will be provided with a stimulating and constructive environment in which they are exposed to key elements of a comprehensive materials design cycle comprising theory and computation, synthesis, assembly and characterization. The focus of the project also provides a unique context and an opportunity to convey the importance of science and engineering to students in succinctly simple, yet powerful messages. The materials design and pattern recognition software and the user manuals developed under this activity, will be made freely available through a dedicated project web site, and through co-PI Escobedo's web site.