Scanning electron micrograph of electrospun polymer fibers (PCL + Poly(ProDOT+))

1. Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of Conjugated Polymer NanofibersDavid C. Martin, University of Delaware, DMR 1103027 Conjugated polymers, with alternating single and double carbon bonds along the polymer chain backbone, are of interest for a variety of novel applications such as interfacing electronic biomedical devices with living tissue. However, the fundamental structure-property relationships, including the potential role of defects in limiting charge transport, are not yet well understood. In this work, we have synthesized new functional polythiophenes that are soluble in either water or organic solvents and have electrospun them into highly-aligned arrays of nanofibers. Microstructural studies were carried out using low dose electron microscopy and diffraction. Mechanical and electrical tests were performed as a function of fiber orientation. Anisotropic charge transport properties were investigated by electrochemical impedance studies on individual nanofibers and nanocrystals. Scanning electron micrograph of electrospun polymer fibers (PCL + Poly(ProDOT+)) 10 μm Optical micrograph of a microfabricated electrode for performing electrical property measurements on tetraaniline single crystals. Insets: typical electron diffraction pattern (top) and electrochemical impedance spectrum for an individual single crystal (bottom) . 5 nm-1 20 μm

2. Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of Conjugated Polymer NanofibersDavid C. Martin, University of Delaware, DMR 1103027 Broader Impacts The Martin lab is actively collaborating with groups at both the University of Delaware (Rabolt) and the University of California at Los Angeles (Kaner) on the structures and properties of oriented electrospun fibers and conducting oligomer single crystals. Results of the work have been reported in publications, presentations and posters at national and regional conferences. In October 2011 UD installed a Zeiss Auriga FIB-SEM and will soon (May 2013) complete a new 200,000 ft2Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Laboratory (ISE-Lab). This building will have core space for materials synthesis, characterization, microscopy, and a nanoprocessing / clean room facility. Martin Research Group Scanning Electron Micrograph of UD Logo prepared by Zeiss Auriga FIB-SEM