Nano Hybrid Shish Kebab-Carbon Nanotube Induced Polymer Crystallization

Christopher Li (Drexel University) DMR 0239415

Soft materials, polymers in particular, have been used to modify carbon nanotube (CNT) surfaces. We recently showed that CNT-induced polymer crystallization offered a unique means to achieve periodically patterned CNTs. This unique structure, named as Nano Hybrid Shish Kebab (NHSK), provides a platform to realize numerous possible applications of CNTs, ranging from nanocomposites and sensors to catalyst supports.

Figure a,b shows that the growth behavior of polyethylene (PE) obeys a “size-dependent soft epitaxy” mechanism. Figure c shows that 2 dimensional NHSK can be obtained by a PVD method. Figure d shows negative birefringent Nylon 6,6 spherulites using a NHSK network as the precursor.

Carbon (nano) Fiber CNT

PE folded lamellae

PE chains

ab

Carbon (nano) Fiber CNT

PE folded lamellae

PE chains

ab

c d

ba

PE folded lamellae

J. Am. Chem. Soc.2006, 128, 1692. Nano Lett. 2006, 6, 1007. Polymer 2007, 48, 3452.J. Am. Chem. Soc.2006, 128, 1692. Nano Lett. 2006, 6, 1007. Polymer 2007, 48, 3452.

Carbon (nano)fiber CNT

PE chains

EducationUnder this grant, one Ph.D. student (Kishore Tenneti) graduated in 2007. One Ph.D. student is pursuing his Ph.D. degree. Two BS/MS students and two undergraduate students have also been supported. One Ph.D. student will join our lab in Fall, 2008.

Outreach•Coordinated the Drexel Summer Seed program for the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Drexel University. We hosted ~190 high school students from nearby schools.•Conducted demo experiments which have consistently been evaluated as the “best lab” in the entire COE. •Hosted one NSF REU student in the summer for 10 weeks to conduct polymer research.

Nano Hybrid Shish Kebab-Carbon Nanotube Induced Polymer Crystallization

Christopher Li (Drexel University) DMR 0239415

The above image shows high-school students enjoying making “slime and foams” in our lab.