See Chem. Mater. 2010 , 22 , 3995

1. Polyoxometalate-Containing Diblock Copolymers: Synthesis, Self-Assembly, and ApplicationsZhonghuaPeng, University of Missouri–Kansas City, DMR 0804158 The objectives of this project are to prepare POM-containing diblock copolymers, study their self-assembled morphologies, and explore their applications as new photovoltaic materials. During the past year, we have successfully prepared the first cluster-containing diblock copolymer as shown in Figure 1 and studied its phase-separated morphologies. We have shown that cluster attachment promotes phase separation, resulting in conducting regions. We have also synthesized a polythiophene-based diblock copolymer (PS-PT) and have shown that such a polymer exhibit much higher tendency for phase separation. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, PS-PT self assembles to form highly conducting regions, indicating that the PS-PT system is a better one for PV applications. Our next step is to attach POM clusters to the PS-PT system and explore its application as new PV materials. 3) 2) 1) 4) 1) Structures of diblock copolymers; 2) AFM topography of drop cast thin films of PS-PPV (top), PS-Mo6-PPV (middle) and PS-PT (bottom); 3) Corresponding conductivity images; 4) Conductivity image of a PS-PT film and its line profile. See Chem. Mater.2010, 22, 3995

2. Polyoxometalate-Containing Diblock Copolymers: Synthesis, Self-Assembly, and ApplicationsZhonghuaPeng, University of Missouri–Kansas City, DMR 0804158 Education: Four graduate students (Ms. Mahuya Bagui, Mr. Sanjiban Chakraborty, Mr. Chingen Chou, and Mr. Tanmoy Dutta) participated in the project during the past year. Ms. Bagui obtained her Ph.D in chemistry in May 2010. International collaboration with Dr. Anna Proust of Univ. Paris has been established. High school students Channa Srouch (left, summer 2009) and Durontez Washington (right, summer 2010) doing experiments under the supervision of graduate students. Outreach: The PI has continued to serve as a mentor during the “Meet the Mentor Day” organized by Science Pioneers, Inc. Two high school students, Mr. Channa Srouch (summer 2009) and Durontez Washington (summer 2010), both disadvantaged minority students, have been supported by this grant to gain first-hand experience in the lab during summer months (8 weeks). Channa is now a college student at Missouri University of Science & Technology. The PI, serving as the secretary of the local ACS section since January 2010, has helped in planning and organizing various activities.