ABSTRACT:This paper describes the first synthesis of a new class of topological macromolecules which we refer to as "starburst polymers." The fundamental building blocks to this new polymer class are referred to as "dendrimers." These dendrimers differ from classical monomers/ oligomers by their extraordinary symmetry, high branching and maximized (telechelic) terminal functionality density. The dendrimers possess "reactive end groups" which allow (a) controlled moelcular weight building (monodispersity), (b) controlled branching (topology), and (c) versatility in design and modification of the terminal end groups. Dendrimer synthesis is accomplished by a variety of strategies involving "time sequenced propagation" techniques. The resulting dendrimers grow in a geometrically progressive fashion as shown: Chemically bridging these dendrimers leads to the new class of macromolecules-"starburst polymers" (e.g.,

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[reaction: see text] Formation of a controlled fullerene mesophase within an organic host system has enabled us to create high-power conversion efficiency photovoltaics. This mesophase is formed using thermal gradients that provide a fluidic mobility of the fullerenes allowing for greater dispersion of nanocrystalline 1-(3-methoxycarbonyl)propyl-1-phenyl-(6,6)C61 (PCBM) within regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT). From this reorganization of the component materials in the matrix the overall efficiency of the system jumps dramatically from the roughly 2.4% to 5.2%.

Certain toxic elements support the metabolism of diverse prokaryotes by serving as respiratory electron acceptors for growth. Here, we demonstrate that two anaerobes previously shown to be capable of respiring oxyanions of selenium also achieve growth by reduction of either tellurate [Te ( , which cluster together, forming larger (ϳ1,000-nm) rosettes composed of numerous individual shards (ϳ100-nm width by 1,000-nm length). In contrast, Sulfurospirillum barnesii forms extremely small, irregularly shaped nanospheres (diameter < 50 nm) that coalesce into larger composite aggregates. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and selected area electron diffraction indicate that both biominerals are composed entirely of Te and are crystalline, while Raman spectroscopy confirms that they are in the elemental state. These Te biominerals have specific spectral signatures (UV-visible light, Raman) that also provide clues to their internal structures. The use of microorganisms to generate Te nanomaterials may be an alternative for bench-scale syntheses. Additionally, they may also generate products with unique properties unattainable by conventional physical/chemical methods.

Resonant Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the structural changes of three single-walled carbon nanotube samples processed with purification, pelletization, and surfactant-assisted dispersion. A two-stage purification process selectively removes metallic tubes as well as small-diameter ones, enriching large-diameter semiconducting tubes. Pelletizing reduces the intertube distance but greatly increases the intensity ratio of the D band to the G band. Single-walled nanotube (SWNT) bundle size decreases during ultrasonication dispersion aided by a surfactant. SWNT bundles composed of large-diameter tubes are prone to debundling.