RESEARCH · ADVANCED MATERIALS

ADVANCED MATERIALS

Advanced Materials are high-value-added materials engineered for advanced technologies, constitute a fast growing research area involving the creation, understanding, and practical application of novel materials. Typically, synthesis and processing are conducted, and in some cases molecular self-assembly is facilitated by design, to produce molecular, macromolecular, supramolecular, and nanoscale systems that possess desired properties. Historically, new materials have served as the cornerstones for technological advances. The University's tradition and infrastructure are uniquely suited for nurturing cutting-edge materials research targeting imaging, information, biomedical, and energy technologies. At the University of Rochester, optoelectronic materials are intended for flat-panel displays and solid-state lighting, and polymer shells for laser fusion targets and controlled release of drugs. Additionally, other classes of advanced materials are being developed for sustainable energy sources and nanotechnology, as elaborated in what follows. With broad-based education and technical background, chemical engineers are also in a strong position to interact with colleagues in other science and engineering disciplines to form multidisciplinary research teams.

Examples of Advanced Materials Research Projects

Aligned Crystalline Films through Electrochemical/ Hydrothermal Crystal Growth on Electrode Surfaces (Yates)

Composite Fuel Cell Membranes with Enhanced Transport Properties (Yates)

Electro-optics of Liquid Crystals (Jacobs)

Monodisperse Conjugated Oligomers for Efficient and Stable Polarized Light-Emitting Diodes (Chen)

Phase Behavior of (Polymer-Supramolecular Polymer) Blends (Anthamatten)

Platinum (PtM, M= Fe, Co, Ni, Rh, etc) and Pt Free Alloy Fuel Cell Electrocatalysts and Membranes (Yang)

Robust Polymer Films for Photoalignment of Liquid Crystals (Chen)

Shape-Memory Polymers Based on Reversible H-bonding Interactions (Anthamatten)

Stimulated Emission from Oriented Solid Films (Chen)

Synthesis and Assembly of Hollow Polymer Particles for Microencapsulation (Yates)

Vapor Deposition of Condensation Polymers for Photvoltaic Coatings (Anthamatten)