Giant Surfactants and Lipids Stephen Z. D. Cheng, University of Akron, DMR 0906898

1. Giant Surfactants and LipidsStephen Z. D. Cheng, University of Akron, DMR 0906898 In analogy to small-molecule surfactants and lipids, a series of giant surfactants and lipids (Figure 1) have been designed and synthesized based on the combination of molecular nanoparticles (C60 and POSS) and polymers. Both “grafting-to” and “growing-from” approaches have been utilized in the synthesis (JACS 2010, 132, 16741-16744; Macromolecules, 2011, 44, 2589-2596;). The “click” feature was highlighted to ensure a modular and efficient synthesis. The giant surfactants and lipids exhibit rich phase behavior in solution and in solid state. In selective solvents, APOSS-PS (Figure 2) self-assemble into vesicles, cylinders, and spheres (Figure 3a, b, c). In thin film, not only do they exhibit the common morphology shown in block copolymers, they also show unusual phase structures such as 2D rectangular lattices (Figure 3d, e, f). Studies are ongoing to elucidate the phase diagram and self-assembling behavior of these novel class of materials. (a) (b) Figure 1. (a) General representation of giant surfactants and lipids; (b) comparison between small-molecule surfactants, giant surfactants, and block copolymers. APOSS-PS, R = -CH2COOH (d) (e) (f) Figure 2. Chemical Structure of APOSS-PS. Figure 3. (a)-(c) Vesicle, cylinder and sphere of APOSS-PS; (d)-(f) layer and square structures of APOSS-PS in thin films with a thickness of 2 - 3 nm.

2. Giant Surfactants and Lipids Stephen Z. D. Cheng, University of Akron, DMR 0906898 EDUCATION: This grant has helped 2 students, Chi-Chun Tsai and Chien-Lung Wang, earn their Ph.D. degrees at the University of Akron. It has also supported 2 other students in their doctoral dissertation research. The unique combination of chemistry and physics needed for this work has helped these students obtain experience in both areas of polymer science. Some funding has also been used to help support the training and career development of 2 post-doctoral associates. OUTREACH: At the University of Akron (UA), there are various outreach programs for area students to experience the sciences. These programs include tours of the facilities, science days, and summer teaching programs. My group has often participated in the NSF-REU summer internship program. In this program, our group provides valuable graduate research experience to undergraduates in chemistry, physics or engineering disciplines. Kaitlynn Wilson from Wooster College was a REU intern in 2011 in our group working on the synthesis and characterization of a perfluorinated POSS-end capped poly(ε-caprolactone).