Hyperuniform nanoparticle-based hybrid materials

The concurrence of ‘single crystal-like’ uniformity and isotropy of structure and properties endows disordered hyperuniform (DH) materials novel property combinations that have fueled interest in DH hybrid materials as a platform for functional material design. Brush particle-based materials, i.e., materials formed by the self-assembly of polymer-functionalized nanoparticles, have emerged as candidate systems to realize DH hybrid materials. The objective of this project is to elucidate the parameters promoting the emergence of disordered hyperuniformity in particle brush-based hybrid materials. A unique material system based on polymer-modified nanoparticles (aka ‘brush particles’) has been developed in the laboratory of the PI. The material systems (comprised of silica nanoparticles grafted with a variety of polymer types) will enable the controlled and independent variation of brush softness and architecture, and heterogeneity of particle brush constituents. The results will provide a basis for the deliberate design of self-assembled hyperuniform materials with novel physical property combinations. Given the relevance of hyperuniformity to physical properties such as optical transparency, fracture resistance, or phonon transport, it is envisioned that this research will contribute to the knowledge base for the development of novel functional hybrid materials.

The research plan will focus on the fabrication of brush particle-based nanocomposite films, their characterization using a variety of imaging and scattering methods and the subsequent determination of the degree of hyperuniformity. Students will gain experience in the characterization of nanocomposite materials using electron imaging and small angle X-ray scattering (which will be performed in collaboration with graduate students) as well as the application of computational tools (developed in the laboratory of the PI) to infer hyperuniformity from electron images. Complementary analysis of thermomechanical properties will be pursued to relate the degree of hyperuniformity to physical property changes in the material.