Brushes high-density, applications

Given the importance of particle size to rate capabilities in Li+ batteries, preparation of nanostructures of Li+ insertion material for possible use as electrodes in Li+ batteries seemed like an obvious extension of our work on nanomaterials. The fact that these nanostructures can be prepared as high-density ensembles that protrude from a surface like the bristles of a brush (Fig, 2A) seemed particularly useful for this proposed application because the substrate surface could then act as a current collector for the nanostructured battery electrode material. 

Surface-initiated ATRP was applied not only on planer substrates but also on various kinds of flne particles. The latter systems will be reviewed separately in Sect. 5.1. Porous materials are also fascinating targets for chromatographic application making use of the unique structure and properties of high-density polymer brushes. Wirth et al. were the first to report the grafting of poly(acrylamide) (PAAm) on a porous silica gel [109,110]. 

We have stndied the macroscopic frictional properties of high-density polymer brushes prepared by surface-initialed ATRP of methyl methacrylate (MM A) [31] and hydrophilic methacrylates [32, 33] from silicon substrates. Friction tests were carried out using a stainless steel or glass ball as the sliding probe under a normal load of 100 MPa from the viewpoint of practical engineering applications. This chapter reviews the macroscopic frictional properties of polymer brushes under a high normal load, the dependence of solvent qnaUty, the effect of humidity on hydrophilic brnsh, and wear resistance, and we compare these with alkylsilane monolayers. 

Ohno K, Koh K, Tsujii Y, Pukuda T Synthesis and application of gold nanoparticles coated with weU-defined, high-density polymer brushes, AbstrPap Am Chem Sot 225 U622,2003. 

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