Synthesis and Characterization of Supramolecular Composites

摘要

The concept of an area-minimizing surface has been used extensively to describe the morphologies of hydrated amphiphiles and block copolymers. These morphologies include lamellar, hexagonal, and the more complex bicontinuous cubic phases. In spite of the morphological similarities between certain block copolymers and hydrated amphiphiles there are of course some major differences. The stability of the two systems can be widely different This distinction is now minimized by the successful introduction of methods to polymerize and even crosslink the phases of hydrated amphiphiles to greatly enhance their stability. The presence of the water domains in the polymerized nonlamellar phases, in particular the inverted hexagonal phase, are regions of well defined size and shape. This research is examining methods to create novel materials by selective use of these to (1) deposit metals and minerals or (2) isolate rod-like polymers. The major focus of the ongoing research is to extend the current state of the science to ascertain the potential and limits of a fundamentally new method for the synthesis of high value supramolecular composites.