Synthesis, Processing, and Characterization of 2-Dimensional Polymers

The Army Research Laboratory Research Associateship Program (ARL-RAP) is seeking a candidate with expertise in organic and polymer chemistry to design, synthesize, and characterize novel 2-dimensional polymers (2DPs). The research focuses on developing new 2DPs with unique architectures, linkage chemistry, and pore functionality with an emphasis on improved mechanical behavior, thermal stability and transport properties. This involves the design and synthesis of new monomers and their subsequent transformation to highly ordered 2D solids. The project will also involve developing processing strategies for forming 2DP coatings and films, assessing different solvent combinations, additives, and surfactants to develop film casting procedures for 2DP solids. Structural characterization leverages techniques such as PXRD, BET, FTIR and solid state NMR to confirm the synthetic target. The program is designed to significantly increase the involvement of creative and highly trained scientists and engineers from academia and industry in scientific and technical areas of interest and relevance to the Army.