Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2006. / Title from first page of PDF file. Includes bibliographical references (p. 194-203).

The synthesis, characterization and structure-function relationships of mono- and bimetallic dendrimerencapsulated nanoparticles (DENs) are described. Control over the factors influencing the structure of bimetallic DENs has been attained for PdAu and AuAg systems. The bimetallic DENs are characterized by UV-vis, HRTEM, and single-particle energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). In addition, we use catalysis and selective extraction to chemically probe the surface structure. The fabrication of TiO2-supported Pd, Au and PdAu nanocomposites from DEN precursors is shown to be a viable route for the synthesis of catalytically active, reasonably monodisperse heterogeneous catalysts. Using the dendrimer-templating synthesis, tight control over the size of 1- 2 nm Pd DEN catalysts has led to the observation of a particle-size effect for the hydrogenation of allyl alcohol. We have proposed that for particles with diameters between 1.5“ 1.9 nm the reaction occurs preferentially on the exposed face atoms.

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The overall performance of a material can be dramatically improved by tailoring its surface at the molecular level. The aim of this project was to develop a universal technique for attaching dendrimers (well-defined, nanoscale, functional polymers) and Jeffamines® (high molecular weight polymer chains) to the surface of any shaped solid substrate. This desire for controlled functionalization is ultimately driven by the need to improve material compatability in various biomedical applications. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used initially to study the packing and structure of Langmuir-Blodgett films on surfaces, and subsequently resulted in the first visualization of individual, spherically shaped, nanoscopic polyamidoamine dendrimers. The next goal was to develop a methodology for attaching such macromolecules to inert surfaces. Thin copolymer films were deposited onto solid substrates to produce materials with a fixed concentration of surface anhydride groups. Vapor-phase functionalization reactions were then carried out with trifluorinated amines to confirm the viability of this technique to bond molecules to surfaces. Finally, pulsed plasma polymerization of maleic anhydride took this approach one stage further, by forming well-adhered polymer films containing a predetermined concentration of reactive anhydride groups. Subsequent functionalization reactions led to the secure attachment of dendrimers and Jeffamines® at any desired packing density. An alternative route to biocompatibilization used 1,2-ethanedithiol to yield thiolated surfaces containing very high polymeric sulfur: carbon ratios.

Thesis (M.S.) in Chemistry--University of Maine, 2004. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 46-48).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2005. / Title from first page of PDF file. Document formatted into pages; contains xxvi, 533 p.; also includes graphics (some col.) Includes bibliographical references (p. 259-292).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2005. / Title from first page of PDF file. Document formatted into pages; contains xix, 343 p.; also includes graphics (some col.) Includes bibliographical references (p. 325-343).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2008. / Committee Chair: Weck, Marcus; Committee Member: Bunz, Uwe H. F.; Committee Member: Dickson, Robert M; Committee Member: Fahrni, Christoph J; Committee Member: Jones, Christopher W; Committee Member: Murthy, Niren.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of North Texas, Dec., 2008. / Title from title page display. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Montana State University--Bozeman, 2006. / Typescript. Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Mary J. Cloninger. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 224-240).