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They use self-assembly in well-defined block copolymers generated by ATRP to create novel, electrically active sp2 carbon materials, known as -cluster materials, with well-defined nanostructures. pyrolysis of ABA triblock copolymers of acrylonitrile and n-butyl acrylate, prepared by ATRP, to synthesize nanostructured carbon arrays.
"Our approach resembles one used for the synthesis of fullerenes and carbon nanotubes, where nanostructured carbon is synthesized from decomposition products of organic precursors," he told C&EN. "Its distinguishing feature is that our carbon precursor--polyacrylonitrile (PAN)--is preorganized into a well-defined nanostructure through self-assembly in a block copolymer. "BY VARYING the PAN content of the copolymer, we have demonstrated conversion of such 'classical' morphologies as spheres, cylinders, and lamellae into nanostructured carbons. "Some envisioned applications of these new materials include field-emission arrays for flat-panel displays, supercapacitors, photovoltaic elements, and membranes. We anticipate that their well-defined nanostructure may lead to interesting electronic effects, such as a dependence of the band gap on the size and topology of carbon domains."
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