Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: NSF CAREER Award funds research on plastics that conduct electricity

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These are some organized plastic materials under ultraviolet light. Because the materials absorb and brightly emit different colors of light, they are good candidates for displays and solar cells. photo by: Clemson University

Abstract:
Clemson chemistry assistant professor Rhett Smith will receive $598,000 in a National Science Foundation CAREER Award to study a new class of materials that conduct electrical currents and can be used in thin, lightweight and flexible plastic electronic devices.

NSF CAREER Award funds research on plastics that conduct electricity

Clemson, SC | Posted on August 10th, 2009

"Some of the most exciting applications that are targeted are ultrathin, flexible displays like television and computer screens or displays in hand-held electronics," said Smith. "Another exciting application that could have an even bigger impact on society is thin-film solar cells to harvest energy from the sun as a renewable, potentially cheaper alternative to petroleum and coal-based energy resources."

Smith's research aims to reveal fundamental insight into how molecular-level organization of the material creates the plastic and dictates how it performs and how material combinations interact and conduct electrical currents.

The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program offers the National Science Foundation's most prestigious awards in support of the early career-development activities of teacher-scholars who most effectively integrate research and education within the context of the missions of their organizations. Smith's goal is to include a service-learning program, outreach and the development of polymer-science courses to increase awareness and participation in physical sciences. He also wants to mimic graduate-school research at the undergraduate level.

Smith received a bachelor's degree in 2000 from the University of Toledo and his Ph.D. in 2004 from Case Western Reserve University. He did his postdoctoral fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology before joining Clemson in 2006. His research focus includes the synthesis and applications of organic and inorganic materials for plastic electronic technologies.

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About Clemson University
Clemson University offers countless opportunities for students, faculty and community members to participate in decades of tradition, improve quality of life for their surrounding communities and pursue academic challenges. Ranked as the 22nd best national public university by U.S.News and World Report, Clemson is a vibrant student-centered community that thrives on leadership, collaboration and a winning spirit — in academics, athletics and life.

To become one of the country’s top-tier research universities, Clemson University has combined the scientific and technological horsepower of a major research university with the academic and social environment of a small college. Just as founder Thomas Green Clemson intertwined his life with the state’s economic and educational development, this University’s students and faculty impact lives daily with their research and service.

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Contacts:
Rhett Smith

864-656-6112

Susan Polowczuk
Media Relations

864-656-2063

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