Yiming Zhang

Advisor: Prof. Vladimir Tsukruk

will propose a doctoral thesis entitled,

Assembly of Multifunctional Branched Ionic Polymers into Organized Nanostructures for Tailored Responsive, Transport and Chiral Properties

On

Wednesday, May 28th at 11 a.m.

MoSE, Room 1226

and

 Virtually via MS Team

Committee

            Prof. Vladimir Tsukruk – School of Materials Science and Engineering (advisor)

            Prof. Blair Brettmann – School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering & School of Materials Science and Engineering 

            Prof. Anju Toor – School of Materials Science and Engineering 
            Prof. Shucong Li – School of Materials Science and Engineering & School of Physics 

            Prof. Yuhang Hu – George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering

& School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Abstract

Branched ionic polymers represent a unique class of polymers that combine the architectural complexity of branched polymers with the dynamic nature of polyelectrolytes. Their branched chain structures with ionizable arm termini and counterions enable complex hierarchical structuring across multiple length scales that allow for the formation of dynamic, reconfigurable, and stimuli-responsive morphologies. Yet, the inherent low entanglement, limited interdiffusion, multiple functionalities, and relatively weak intermolecular interactions of branched macromolecules pose great challenges in controlling their self- and directed assembly, limiting the precise tuning of their physical and chemical properties.

This research aims on a fundamental understanding of how novel branched ionic polymers assemble and function across different environments, from the bulk phases to spatially confined environments. We will start by examining the roles of branching architecture, terminal group chemistry, and counterion identity in influencing their nanoscale morphologies and interactions. Building on these insights, we will explore their interfacial interactions with nanomaterials such as cellulose nanocrystals, cellulose nanofibers and MXene nanosheets, with an emphasis on directed assembly, selective surface adsorption, amphiphilic design, and the emergence of chiral helicoidal or anisotropic orientations. The final research phase focuses on developing functional composites that integrate bIPs into organized and nanostructured hybrids with optimized optical, mechanical, and transport properties including responsive structural colors, directional filtration, and chiral induction.

By elucidating the interplay among polymer architecture, ionic interactions, and interface-driven assembly, this work will provide novel strategies to prepare functional nanostructures with fine-tuned properties. The new understanding of structural-morphology-property relationships of branched polymers will support the rational design of functional polymer-nanocomposites with promising applications in optical coatings, separation membranes, and responsive devices, contributing to human performance and well-being.