Adronov Research Group

Overview


Current research in the Adronov Group focuses on the synthesis of new building blocks for the assembly of novel polymer structures and architectures. While the goal is to develop a fundamental understanding of nanoscale assemblies of polymers, the individual research projects are geared toward specific applications. These applications include next-generation nano electronics, nano-scale sensors, and dendrimer-based therapeutic and diagnostic agents. A significant focus of researchers in the group includes organic synthesis of new and interesting building blocks for the assembly of novel polymers. This synthetic effort is complemented with detailed characterization of the synthesized compounds, and the properties of polymer products. The progression from design to synthesis, characterization, and application of our materials provides well-rounded training to group members, allowing them to develop creativity, competence, and a broad understanding of their field.

Conjugated Polymers and Carbon Nanotube Functionalization


Conjugated polymers have been shown to interact strongly with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) via supramolecular π-stacking. This is advantageous because polymer adsorption on the SWNT surface imparts solubility to the complex without adversely affecting the intrinsic properties of the nanotubes. In addition, the polymer structure can be synthetically manipulated to impart functionality and/or reactivity to the overall complex, as well as the ability to differentiate between different nanotube types, such as semiconducting and metallic SWNTs. Recent work in our group has focused on the design of polymers that are uniquely selective toward either semiconducting or metallic SWNTs, which represents an area of active current research (see our review in Chemical Science). We continue to work on the development of new polymer structures, with enhanced selectivity for different SWNT species, that can be prepared and used on large scale.
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