1. Structure-Function-Property Relationships in Charged Conjugated Polymers (CCPs) Thuc-Quyen Nguyen DMR0547639  The aim of this project is to understand structure- function-property relationships in charged conjugated polymers. Our goal is to optimize the materials function and properties by a systematic study that incorporates new materials design, a range of processing options and characterization techniques.  We use various counteranion (CA) sizes to control the interchain packing in films to control the optical and charge transport properties. Local current/voltage measurements of spun cast films at the nanoscale using conducting atomic force microscopy show that the mobility of holes and the barriers to charge injection can be substantially modified by the choice of CA. Smaller CA allows intimate chain contact that leads to low solid state photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield, high charge mobility, and lower charge injection barrier than large CA.  The result is significant because CCPs have not found widespread application as emitters in devices such as LEDs or light emitting electrochemical cells because of their typically low quantum yield values.  Future plan: we will investigate the type of charged functional group (cationic versus anionic) influencing the optical and charge transport properties of charged conjugated polymers.  (PFN + Br - ) = 6.1  10 -5 cm 2 /V.s.  (PFN + BAr F- 4 ) = 9.4  10 -6 cm 2 /V.s.  PL = 5%  PL = 41%

2. Structure-Function-Property Relationships in Charged Conjugated Polymers (CCPs) Thuc-Quyen Nguyen DMR0547639 Education and Outreach:  This summer, an undergraduate from Stanford University (Alissa Walker) and a chemistry high school teacher from Venture High School (Woody Maxwell) do research in her laboratory. The goal is for the teacher to incorporate the research and learning experience into the high-school curriculum to engage students to science. Mr. Maxwell works on nanoscale characterization of CCPs and Ms. Walker focuses on processing conditions and optical properties of CCPs. The research experience is a key factor in students’ decisions to pursue advanced degrees in science and engineering.  The PI participates in “Let's Explore Applied Physical Science” (LEAPS) Program. This program engages UCSB graduate and undergraduate Fellows as instructors and mentors for inquiry-based science in Grade 8 and Grade 9 classrooms. She serves as a faculty mentor for LEAPS fellows, does classroom observation, and evaluate LEAPS fellows (bottom picture).  She helped organize and raised funds for the Science and Technology Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement Day. This annual event at UCSB is designed to increase student diversity, to encourage students to go to college and to consider careers in science and engineering. She also developed and gave workshops (top picture). The PI explained to K-12 students and parents how fiber optics work and the materials used to make fiber optics. The PI observed a LEAPS fellow run an after school science club at Santa Barbara Junior High School.