Abstract

The diversity of nanostructures obtained from organic polymerization is limited when compared to the vast amount of inorganic nanostructures. This dissertation will focus on a synergistic mechanism between organic polymerization and in situ inorganic salt hydrolysis for developing electrochemically active organic-inorganic hybrid nanostructures. The degree of polymerization, crystallinity and doping level of the conjugated polymer backbone is controlled using oxidative radical vapor-phase polymerization resulting in organic semiconductors featuring high crystallinity and superior electrical conductivity. An aqueous metal salt solution of iron (III) chloride serves as an oxidant for initiating the polymerization and interestingly, this inorganic salt hydrolyzes in situ producing oxides that template and control polymer nucleation as well as nanostructure growth. The solid-state oxidant precursor α-Fe2O3 is also studied in this work and features a high chemical stability, processability and natural abundancy that it is also explored for polymerization. Free-standing films and coatings are synthesized as 1D nanofibers to 2D nanoflowers while other nanostructures are deposited and controlled during polymerization characterized by monolithic or core-shell architectures. High electronic conductivity and high surface area are achieved via synthesis affording state-of-the-art electrochemical activity for developing functional electrodes and energy storage devices.

Committee Chair

Julio J. D'Arcy

Committee Members

John J. Bleeke, Julio J. D’Arcy, Jonathan J. Barnes, Vijay V. Ramani,

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Author's Department

Chemistry

Author's School

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Document Type

Dissertation

Date of Award

Spring 5-15-2021

Language

English (en)

Author's ORCID

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2714-4250

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