Synthesis and Electrical Properties of Conjugated Polymers Based on Nitrogen and Sulfur

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $660,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

With the support of the Macromolecular, Supramolecular, and Nanochemistry Program in the Division of Chemistry, Dr. Bowden and Dr. Leddy of the University of Iowa will synthesize polymers that have potential applications as flexible solar cells, supercapacitors, and wires for the next generation of electrical devices. The polymers to be synthesized are based on sulfur and nitrogen, inexpensive materials commonly found throughout nature. This project will result in the design and synthesis of numerous examples of these polymers, followed by an extensive investigation of their electrical and electrochemical properties, including how well the polymers conduct electricity. The electrical properties will identify their best technological and, potentially, practical applications. A key broader impact of this work is that it will result in the fabrication of polymers that are vastly underexplored and can yield new insights into how to make electronic devices from plastics. A further broader impact will be integration of graduate and undergraduate students throughout the research project to teach them advanced methods for the synthesis of polymers and measurement of their properties. Students will also investigate how these polymers can be used to remediate highly polluted Superfund sites by the removal of toxic heavy metal and lead contaminants from water. The proposed work will result in the synthesis and characterization of polymers with backbones that contain only sulfur and

Key facts

NSF award ID
2505599
Awardee
University of Iowa (IA)
SAM.gov UEI
Z1H9VJS8NG16
PI
Ned B Bowden
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
Estimated total
$660,000
Funds obligated
$660,000
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
07/01/2025 → 06/30/2028