Polymer and Nanomaterials Laboratory

Our discovery driven group investigates the area of molecular, macromolecular, and supramolecular synthesis and structure of polymers and nanomaterials capable of controlled-assembly to form ultrathin films and dispersions. Synthesis is involved wherever it applies to incorporating functional groups to provide amphiphilicity, ligand functionality, electrochemical activity, and in the preparation of pi-electron conjugated oligomers and polymers. There is a lot of interest on dendrimeric and hybrid colloidal materials.

Ultrathin films and coatings are formed using techniques such as self-assembled monolayers (SAM), Langmuir-Blodgett-Kuhn (LBK), electrostatic layer-by-layer (ELBL) and surface initiated polymerization (SIP). Techniques like Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) Spectroscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM), electrochemistry, polarized spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray reflection are used for analyzing such films.

Interfacial phenomena issues are studied using surface sensitive measurement techniques coupled with preparation of modified ultra thin films and surfaces. Colloidal materials and dispersions are prepared and invesitgated eventually for thin film applications. In the area of biotechnology, our interest focuses on the preparation of modified surfaces for bio-adhesion, bio-sensing, anti-microbial properties, and drug delivery.

We continue to investigate new materials and processes applicable to industry related projects. This includes coatings, plastics,nanocomposites, packaging, corrosion, pharmaceutics, sensors, biomedical devices, and electronics. Details of our activities on these areas are available upon request.

Prof. Rigoberto C. Advincula

E-mail: radvincula@uh.edu

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A variety of thin film processes and surface investigation techniques can be applied to new synthetic materials and biotechnology-oriented projects. Such projects and approaches are multidisciplinary in that they combine elements of synthesis, physical methods, engineering, and biotechnology.

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Advanced macromolecular design and chemistry can be done at interfaces involving equilibration between 2 or 3 phases. Patterning at the micron- and nano-scale is iimportant as it enables control of 2-D chemistry including embeded chemistry. There is a lot of surface analysis tools available for flat substrates. Surface/volume ratio is an advantage in colloidal particle systems as well as topologically nanostructured thin films.

Dendrimer and Hybrid-Nanoparticle Research

Wiley VCH-Description New Book coming!

Electro-Nanopatterning of "UH"

Current Projects

• Electrodeposited Initiators for Polymer Brushes and Patterning
• Synthesis and Applications of PEGylated Linear Dendrons
• Colloidal Tempalte Patterning and Electropolymerization
• Electrochemically Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (E-MIP)s
• Biosurfaces: Anti-fouling and Cell Chemotaxis Control
• Separations and Filtration using Nanomaterials
• High-K Dielectric Materials
• Polymer Brushes by combined LBL and SIP to form Free-standing Films
• Hierarchical Electronanopatterning using CS-AFM Methodologies
• Synthesis of New Polyelectrolytes and Amphiphiles
• Synthesis of New Dendrimers and Hybrid Dendronized Nanoparticles
• Precusor Polymer Approach to Conjugated Polymer Networks
• Nanocomposites and Blends
• Smart Coatings and Surfaces

We have a range of interdisciplinary projects suitable from the viewpoint of fundamental studies and practical applications: polymers, nanomaterials, and biotechnology. Training the next generation of scientists who are experts in this field is an important mission in our laboraotory. Please feel free to e-mail Dr. Advincula at radvincula@uh.edu, if you have any questions or comments.

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