Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

Polymers comprised of transition metals and stable organic radicals are two classes of multifunctional materials that have shown significant promise based on their desirable redox, magnetic, conductive, stimuli responsive, and pre-ceramic properties. However, the scope of the current state of the art methods used to prepare these polymers is limited with respect to the transition metals and stable radicals that can be incorporated. The goals of the proposed research program involve the development and exploitation of synthetic methodologies allowing for the realization of multifunctional polymers incorporating a range of transition metals and stable organic radicals as part of three different projects. 1) We will develop transition metal-catalyzed and controlled radical polymerization protocols for the synthesis of highly metallized metal-containing polymers (MCPs) based on first row transition metals. We will then explore the pyrolysis of MCPs to potentially produce nanoparticles that may catalyze the oxidation of water, a key reaction in the storage of solar energy. 2) We will develop synthetic methods for the realization of p-type pi-conjugated MCPs and utilize the properties of the incorporated transition metals to tune the energy of their highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMOs), their electromagnetic radiation absorption profiles, and the self-assembly properties of the polymers. Each of these variables may play an important role in increasing the efficiency of bulk heterojunction solar cells. 3) We will explore routes allowing for the isolation of novel families of radical-containing polymers, and explore their electrochemical properties and potential utility as hole transport materials for dye regeneration in dye-sensitized solar cells. The proposed research program is highly innovative and will make significant contributions to Canadian excellence through the development (and potential commercialization) of novel technologies and partnerships with Canadian industry. It will also allow 29 highly qualified personnel (HQP) to be trained during the 5 year funding period.