Organic films on metal surfaces are used extensively in materials processing as mediating layers, ionomers, responsive films, and protective coatings. Our research utilizes a molecular-level approach to design and assemble tailor-made ultrathin organic films on metal surfaces to impact the processing of advanced materials. Two fundamentally important systems that we study are self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and polymer films grown from surfaces by surface-initiated and surface-catalyzed approaches. These systems, prepared by straightforward immersion processes, can coat objects of any shape and represent highly uniform films with controlled thickness and composition.
We have used these monolayer and polymer systems to engineer composition and structure at interfaces of materials that impact energy-related issues, including solar energy conversion and alternative proton exchange membrane fuel cells, as well as friction/wear, biological adhesion, and chemical sensing.
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Jennings Group 2010
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