Patterson, Joseph P. (2013) The synthesis, self-assembly and analysis of amphiphilic polymers : developing microscopy techniques using graphene oxide and building catalytic palladium nanostructures. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

Chapter 1 is an introduction to the solution self assembly of amphiphilic polymers.
Initially focusing on the complexity involved in the formation of these structures,
followed by a review of the common analysis techniques used to characterise them.
Chapter 2 reports the synthesis of a Pd containing amphiphilic poly(acrylic acid)
homopolymer. Its self-assembly in water is studied by SANS and cryo-TEM and its
catalytic activity is compared to a small molecule analogue for a literature Suzuki-
Mayura coupling reaction.
Chapter 3 uses a similar synthetic strategy to Chapter 2 in order to produce three
amphiphilic poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) homopolymers of different molecular
weights. Their self-assembly in water is studied by laser light scattering, small angle
neutron scattering and cryo-TEM. The results from each technique are compared in
detail and used to asses the effect of polymer molecular weight on the assemblies.
Chapter 4 investigates the use of graphene oxide as a substrate for multiple
microscopy techniques in relation to the analysis of polymer aggregates. The images
are compared to those by more standard techniques and the benefits of using
graphene oxide are demonstrated through the use of advanced imaging techniques.
Chapter 5 shows that graphene oxide supports can be used in conjunction with
cryo-transmission electron microscopy. The benefit of having a stable nearly
electron transparent support is shown by comparing images to those taken by
standard cryo-transmission electron microscopy.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	Q Science > QD Chemistry
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Self-assembly (Chemistry), Polymerization, Amphiphiles, Graphene, Transmission electron microscopy, Cryomicroscopy, Nanostructures, Palladium
Official Date:	July 2013
Dates:	Date Event July 2013 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Department of Chemistry
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	O'Reilly, Rachel K.
Sponsors:	Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
Extent:	xxi, 254 leaves : illustrations.
Language:	eng

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