DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY
Thomas C. Sandreczki
Professor of Chemistry
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Current Research Interests
The research areas of this group include characterization of conducting polymers and characterization of photo-degradation in polymeric coatings. Our work in conducting polymers involves preparation, processing, and characterization of highly conjugated polymers with emphasis on ladder and rigid-rod polymers and on conducting oligomers. It includes synthesis of thin films by electrochemical deposition/polymerization.
One group of conducting polymers that we have been investigating includes the poly(benzimidazobenzophenanthroline) ladders (BBL) and semi-ladders (BBB), originally developed for their ultra-high strengths and high thermal stabilities (>600 C in air). These materials have potential as cathodes in electrochemical capacitors, as catalytic coatings for electrodes, and as components of donor-acceptor polymer blends.
Characterization techniques include measurement of dc-conductivity and electron spin concentration as functions of electrochemical doping potential in order to elucidate conduction mechanisms. We have seen conductivities and spin concentrations change over several orders of magnitude. These data give valuable information regarding whether spinless or spin-bearing charge carriers are responsible for the conductivity.
Our second area of research involves investigation of photo-degradation of polymeric coatings using ESR spectroscopy. Spectra from photo-induced free radicals are monitored and analyzed as a function of exposure conditions, including wavelength, temperature, atmosphere, and composition. We are correlating our results with slow positron beam data collected and analyzed by Prof. Jean's research group.
Nov. 10, 2005
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