Design and Synthesis of Macromolecules
Nanoscience Research at UCF

Current interests in our research group traverse the disciplines of photochemistry, polymer, organic, and materials chemistry with particular focus on the design and synthesis of well-defined macromolecules with specific functionality, and in the characterization of their optical, nonlinear optical, and electronic properties. These macromolecules are important for their properties and potential applications in a number of emerging technologies for optical data storage and signal processing, optical power limiting and sensor protection, optical displays, infrared optics, photoremediation, nondestructive 3-D imaging and 3-D microstereolithography. We employ techniques of contemporary organic and polymer synthesis as well as develop efficient polymer grafting and modification methodology. In addition, we are developing stable, highly functionalized polymer nanocomposites through self-assembly techniques.

In particular, synthetic methodology is being developed for the creation of highly functionalized, well-defined polymers for electro-optic, piezoelectric, photorefractive, electro and photoluminescent, and photochromic applications. Nonlinear or multiphoton-induced organic photochemistry is under investigation to elucidate fundamental aspects of multiphoton-induced reaction dynamics, design of highly efficient multiphoton absorbing fluorophores, develop reagents for site-specific biological imaging and photodynamic cancer therapy.

For More Information
     Kevin Belfield
     Department of Chemistry, CH 117
     University of Central Florida
     Orlando, FL 32816
     Telephone: 407-823-1028
     FAX: 407-823-1028
     E-Mail: belfield@mail.ucf.edu