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.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:582491 |
| Date | January 2013 |
| Creators | Patterson, Joseph P. |
| Publisher | University of Warwick |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/58082/ |
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