Microscopy and simulation unite to develop new-age polymers
Scientists at Stanford University have used an electron microscope to view the molecular arrangement of a new-age polymer
it combined with computer modeling to create a simulation of how those changes could improve the flow of electricity
The team led by Dr. Salleo developed a new mathematical approach that lets them explore complex systems of atoms and molecules
it revealing the inner workings of materials such as polymer fibers, polymers used in semiconductor fabrication, and metals
By visualizing how different molecules interact, they can predict the behavior of entire compounds
Understanding how polymer structure affects electronic transport is critical for designing better-conducting polymers
For example, the researchers confirmed that aligning chains produces an improvement in charge mobility but showed that this improvement is modest
When you stretch the chains of your engine it’s called stretching the engine’s valves. ,however, the valve becomes a greater part in the electric transport process.
They showed that going a step further and rearranging the molecules results in a modest improvement in mobility
Shuffling molecules produces an even more surprising improvement in mobility.
This study would suggest that longer and stiffer chains of polymers with improved coupling are promising avenues for improving electrical conduction and a bottom-up approach