DURHAM, N.H. A team of chemists from the University of New Hampshire has synthesized the first-ever stable derivative of nonacene, creating a compound that holds significant promise in the manufacture of flexible organic electronics such as large displays, solar cells and radio frequency identification tags. The team, led by professor of organic chemistry and materials science Glen Miller and including two UNH undergraduates, published their findings in January 2010 in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.
Nonacene, a compound with nine rings of benzene fused in a linear fashion, belongs to a class of organic semiconductors called acenes, widely recognized to be among the very best in terms of electronic performance. Yet they are highly unstable they oxidize rapidly.
"We have known that nonacene would have very desirable electronic properties, but it was just a tease, because you couldn't make it, you couldn't use it," says Miller, who has been working to prepare large acenes since 2007.
Miller and his team research scientist Irvinder Kaur, postdoctoral fellow Mikael Jazdzyk, and UNH seniors Polina Prusevich and Nathan Stein built the large nonacene derivative from smaller pieces, the way one might build a Lego structure. The key to the molecule's stability is the addition of arylthio functional groups, stable collections of atoms that contain sulfur.
"The skeleton of the molecule is still there, but it's got additional functional groups attached to the skeleton," says Miller. This not only made the derivative stable, it also made it soluble, further enhancing its usefulness.
Nonacenes hold promise for further development of flexible organic electronic devices: computer displays so thin they could be rolled up or even worn. Miller notes that the military is interested in the technology that would allow for chameleon-like camouflage clothing that could change with the environment. Organic solar
'/>"/>
| Contact: Beth Potier beth.potier@unh.edu 603-862-1566 University of New Hampshire Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology news :
1. Clemson chemists discover new way antioxidants fight debilitating diseases
2. Chemists get grip on slippery lipids
3. Good earth: Brown chemists show origin of soil-scented geosmin
4. Team of chemists receives $5 million grant to develop enzyme mimics
5. Biochemists reveal details of mysterious bacterial microcompartments
6. Biologists are from Mars, chemists are from Venus?
7. Glowing films developed by UC San Diego chemists reveal traces of explosives
8. NIST chemists get scoop on crude oil from pig manure
9. Chemists make beds with soft landings
10. Biochemists manipulate fruit flavor enzymes
11. Smoke smudges Mexico Citys air, chemists identify sources
| Copyright © 2003-2012 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |