Synthesis of functional, nanostructured composites and catalysts using polymerizable lyotropic liquid crystals

We have developed a general scheme for synthesizing nanostructured, polymer -based materials with hexagonal symmetry. This strategy involves the cross- linking of lyotropic liquid crystal monomers that form the inverted hexagon al mesophase in the presence of pure water or reactive solutions. Depending on the nature of the hydrophilic solution, inorganic or organic solid-stat e fillers can be formed inside the channels of these ordered templates to a fford a variety of functional nanocomposites. In addition, the nanostructur ed polymer networks can also act as heterogeneous catalysts for organic rea ctions (i.e., organic "analogs" to molecular sieves). The design, synthesis , and control of these materials will be described. The effect of the nano- architecture on their properties and reactivity will also be discussed.