Functional Polyarylene Networks

+ 206°C, 4 d

NMPF3C

F3C

Ph

Ph

PhPh

C(CF3)2

Ph Ph

PhPh

C(CF3)2

PhPh

Ph

Ph

C(CF3)2

Ph Ph

PhPh

x y z

m

BODA functional

Nano-onions

Plain Nano-onions

Multilayered fullerenes known as carbon nano-onions (CNOs) have only very recently been solubilized by functionalization with polymers. Here CNOs have been directly functionalized through the radical addition of the naphthyl radical produced from the Bergman cycloaromatization of enediyne monomers.

This method allows for direct covalent bond formation between a conjugated conductive polymer with a very broad light absorbance spectrum and a multilayered fullerene structure, which can act as an electron acceptor component.

This morphology may be ideal for Photovoltaic Cells.

Dennis W. Smith, Jr., Clemson University, DMR-0514622

Transmission Electron Microscopy

2 nm

Nanoletters 2006, submitted for publication

Soluble CNO!

before centrifugation

after centrifugation

Outreach: Activities have focused in three areas: “Paws for Polymers” K-12 Teacher training workshops, “K-12 Tiger Chemistry Road Show”, and the Emerging Scholars Program. The latter involves a three week program at Clemson for low income area high school students in South Carolina. In all these programs, we use polymer technology to convey basic science concepts – a proven approach employed by the International Polymer Education Council.

Education: Class room and research education has focused on new polymer courses and undergraduate research programs. Fifteen undergraduate researchers have been supported with NSF funds in addition to four high school students. Course development has resulted in a very popular multi-disciplined polymer science survey course, “Frontiers in Polymer Science”, open to both undergraduates and graduate students.

Nylon rope synthesis

5th graders and polymers

Functional Polyarylene Networks Dennis W. Smith, Jr., Clemson University, DMR-0514622