Synthesis, characterization and self-assembly of stimuli sensitive materials

Abstract

The molecular structures with multifunctional groups are known to influence self-assembly of macromolecules on solid/solution state. This thesis is focused on exploring the self-assembly of macromolecules incorporated with electroactive groups, photoactive units or ion responsive groups. A few methacrylated copolymers with electroactive groups on the side chain were synthesized and their properties were investigated. Polymethacrylate with binary electroactive groups gave nanofibers in solid state. However, polymethacrylates with hydroxyl groups and electroactive groups showed lamellae or vesicular assemblies in aqueous solution. Formation of conjugated polymer network (CPN) through electropolymerization of electroactive groups on the side chain allowed us to generate interesting processable electronically conjugated materials. Multifunctional amphiphilic azo-dithiaethylene photochromic molecules with photoactive moieties showed three dimensional (3D) self-assembly in polar solvent. The molecular components with hydrogen bonding abilities facilitated the formation of ring- type (bangle) nanostructures. Cross-conjugated oligophenylene with electroactive groups on the side-chain showed microphase separated crystallites and nano-fibers in the solid state through strong O -O interactions. A range of small and macromolecular systems were examined and their properties were discussed. We hope that some of the molecules and macromolecules described in this thesis may have potential applications in different field.