Christopher Li, PhD, a professor in Materials Science and Engineering is the principal investigator on a National Science Foundation grant awarded for a project entitled “Confined and Directed Polymer Crystallization at Curved Liquid/Liquid Interface.” Li's recent finding on crystallization was reported in Nature Communications last year and his proposed research involves examining this unique type of crystalline morphology.
As Li describes, "Crystals ranging from snowflakes to diamonds are beautiful; their intriguing shapes are dictated by regular molecular packing. The smallest unit of the crystal, unit cell, repeats itself in three dimensions, forming these stunning objects. What if the available space for the crystal to form is non-flat? The molecules have to make turns as they pack, and the shape and properties of the resultant crystals will vary. This project is concerned with such a scenario, and aims to understanding the fundamentals on how polymer crystals are formed in a very small, and curved space. It was reported that hollow crystal capsules can be formed by crystallizing polymers on the surface of liquid droplets. These unique capsules are termed as 'crystalsomes'. In the proposed work, solution crystallization will be conducted in small liquid droplets. Crystallization conditions and the polymer chain structure will be systematically varied to control the shape and size of the crystalsomes, whose structure will be studied using electron microscopy and X-ray scattering. It is anticipated that well-controlled crystalsomes may find applications in the fields of nanomotors, drug delivery and gene therapeutics."
In addition, the grant's educational component includes: (1) Developing two class modules which will be used in an Advanced Polymer Characterization course; (2) Mentoring graduate and undergraduate students; (3) Involving high school students and teachers, particularly from under-represented populations, in the proposed research activities; and (4) Engaging in local outreach activities to enhance broader interest in science and technology.
For more detailed information on the grant, please visit the official NSF page.