Fractal Polymeric Nanoarchitectures George R. Newkome, University of Akron, DMR-0401780

Polymetal complexes1 are uniquely suited for use in nanoscopic, molecular electronic devices. Thus, the ability to probe metal-metal and metal-ligand interactions facilitates the fine-tuning of their chemical and physical properties, as well as, their oxidation and reduction properties. Work has focused on the construction and self-assembly of metallomacrocycles that allow us to probe their red-ox and dipole moment properties. Metallotricycles2 prepared using a phenylacetylene based bis-terpyridine building block afford entrance to a molecular motor.1Science, 2006, 312, 1782-1785. 2Chem. Eur. J. 2004, 10, 1493-1500.

Figure 1. Self-assembly of the hexaRuII macrocycle affords fractal-based architectures as seen in these AFM (bottom-left) and STM (bottom-right) images. Reproduced with permission: Science, 2006, 312, 1782-1785

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Education:

Under this grant, post-doctoral scientists Dr. Carol D. Shreiner and Dr. Pingshan Wang are conducting research related to metallocycle construction, self-assembly, and characterization. Graduate student researchers Mr. Seok-Ho Hwang (4thyear), Mr. Ibrahim Ergzani (4thyear), Ms. Hima Maddi (5th year), Mr. Sinan Li (3th year) are in training and conducting their own research related to this project. Currently, we are collaborating with Prof. Liming Dai (University of Dalton, OH), Prof. Luis Eshegoyen (Clemson University, SC), Prof. Saw-Wai Hla (University of Ohio) and Prof. Angel Kaifer (University of Miami, FL).

Outreach:

Each summer, graduate students and post-doctoral scientists have participated in the NSF REU Program for undergraduates. Pictured below are Ms. Corina D. Mommaerts and Mr. Dennis Butcher (summer 2005 REU students) from the University of Michigan and Ohio University,respectively.

Fractal Polymeric Nanoarchitectures George R. Newkome, University of Akron, DMR-0401780