Materials
chemistry at Michigan combines well-grounded training in
chemical sciences and experiences in the real world of materials.
Novel paradigms for the synthesis of monomers for polymeric
substances have been undertaken with a keen eye for their
metal ligating properties. Whole classes of new substances
with unusual thermal, mechanical, electrical and
catalytic properties are currently under investigation.
Fundamental investigations of the
structure and bonding of adsorbed species on
surfaces are providing promising leads on
corrosion phenomena and new concepts and
structures in the design of sensors.
Theoretical
and experimental studies in supramolecular architecture have
led to the development of organic zeolites that have
changed the traditional concepts regarding
zeolites. Relationships between molecular
structure and chemical reactivity, especially
regiospecific reactivities, are being exploited
in designing highly reactive organometallic
and metallo-organic precursors for the low
temperature synthesis of magnetic, electronic,
and structural ceramics.
The Materials
faculty at Michigan has representatives from the Analytical,
Biological, Inorganic, and Physical subdisciplines of chemisty.
They are brought together by interests in complex chemical
problems involving materials that typically require a broad
range of skills to solve. We also have participation from
the department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering.
