Background
Synthetic polymers are typically composed of linear repeat units, and may also be branched or irregularly cross-linked. Graphene (carbon sheets that are one atom thick) is a well-known example of a two-dimensional polymer (2DP) and is used in many fields including biological engineering, optical electronics, photovoltaic cells, and energy storage. Graphene’s synthesis excludes molecular design on demand, and currently, sheet-like polymers that have been referred to as 2DPs are extremely thin and lack internal order in their network structure. The King Research Group at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) Chemistry Department is interested in the chemistry of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHS), liquid crystals, and advanced polymers. The group takes a physical organic approach involving methods from synthetic, mechanistic, computation, theoretical, polymer, and organometallic chemistry.
Technology Overview
The King Research Group has synthesized an ordered, non-equilibrium 2DP far beyond molecular dimensions. The UNR 2DP method is related to one of two main approaches to synthesizing 2DPs, and involves the physical exfoliation of a crystal turning layers to single sheets. While the traditional approach is usually prepared in a simultaneous reaction and crystallization process (the bonds are made while the crystal forms), the UNR approach separates crystallization and bond formation by relying on an initial crystallization that isolates individual 2DPs as free-standing, monolayered molecular sheets. The sheets are considered free-standing because of their considerable mechanical stability apparent by the sheets’ ability to withstand the sheer forces imposed on them during the exfoliation process.
This UNR 2DP can be tuned for particular applications. It has a molecular thinness of 1.5nm and a high pore density useful for selective inclusion or filtration of small molecules. The atomically smooth pores will give ultra-high flux, and because the pores are chemically identical, the 2DP gives precise cut-off. Due to the free-standing, sheet-like features of the polymers, they can ultimately serve as a platform for bottom-up three-dimensional constructions by wrapping, covering, rolling, folding, and stacking.
Benefits
- Ordered Structure: The 2DP has a precise, adaptable structure, unlike many other polymers that may lack order.
- Mechanical Robustness: These 2DP sheets resist high sheer forces, ensuring durability.
- Molecular Precision: At just 1.5nm thin with consistent pores, the 2DP offers high selectivity and accuracy.
- Scalability: The 2DP’s nature supports upscaling, a boon for industries needing scalable materials.
- Quantum Computing Potential: Serves as a possible template for scalable qubit arrays, simplifying quantum constructions.
- 3D Construction Versatility: Its free-standing feature enables diverse 3D applications.
Applications
Quantum Information Science (QIS):
The National Academies’ Quantum Information Science (QIS) research priorities highlight the need for innovative materials that support the development of scalable, robust qubit architectures. The 2DPs produced by the King Research Group could address this need. Their unique, adaptable structure is suitable for use as a template for creating scalable qubit arrays—a critical component in quantum computing systems. The systematic and organized structure of the 2DPs offers potential solutions to major challenges in quantum computing, such as the efficient production and precise manipulation of large qubit numbers
Other applications:
The properties of 2DPs, such as their large surface area, regular pore geometry, high mechanical, thermal, and chemical stability, make them advantageous for various applications. For gas separation, the precise pore size and structure of 2DPs allow for high selectivity and permeability. Additionally, their planar structure results in extended coherence times, which is beneficial for the operation of quantum systems.
Patent
US9403935B2
Publications
Nature Publication
