Sarah Spanninga: Graduate Student, University of Michigan Macromolecular Sciences and Engineering Program.
Research
Summary
My research project is to characterize the surface of the conjugated
polymer poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) doped with either
poly (styrene sulphonic acid) (PSS) or lithium perchlorate (LiClO4)
as a function of deposition conditions. The deposition conditions
that will be investigated for this project include time, current,
and the concentration of the doping agent. The motivation for this
characterization is to further understand the surface behavior and
properties of the films. These include morphology, chemical composition,
and biocompatibility. Ultimately, these films will be deposited
on neural probes to serve as the major point of contact with the
neurons of the brain and therefore the surface properties will play
an essential role.
The research entails electrochemical deposition of the films followed by characterization of both surface chemical composition and their morphology. Initial studies will be completed to determine physical properties, such as the film thickness. Surface characterization using techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and sum frequency generation (SFG) as well as microscopy techniques such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) will be completed.
XPS and SFG will be used to carry out chemical composition studies of the surface to a depth of a few nanometers. Initial chemical composition analysis will utilize XPS followed by an in depth analysis using SFG. By utilizing the non-vacuum, high surface sensitivity capabilities, and different polarizations, SFG could further be used to obtain the molecular orientation of the polymer surface.
The surface morphology will be characterized using AFM and SEM. The primary surface morphology study will be completed using AFM because of its non-destructive capabilities and secondary analysis will be carried out via SEM.
Education
2002: Bachelors of Materials Science and Engineering, Michigan
Technological University, Houghton, MI
2004: Masters of Materials Science and Engineering, Michigan Technological
University, Houghton, MI
Scientific Society Memberships
Tau Beta Pi
National Honorary Engineering Fraternity
Alpha Sigma Mu
Honorary Metallurgical Society
ASM /TMS
Society for Biomaterials
Recent Seminars and Abstracts
Recent Publications
Curriculum Vitae
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