Patents by Inventor Richard D. McCullough

Richard D. McCullough has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7452958
    Abstract: Regioregular poly(3-alkylthiophenes) and other polythiophenes can be prepared by living polymerization which have good solubility, processability and environmental stability. The polymerization method can afford regioregular poly(3-alkylthiophenes) in high yields. Kinetic study of polymerization revealed the living character of this process. The molecular weight of poly(3-alkylthiophenes) is a function of the molar ratio of the monomer to nickel initiator, and conducting polymers with relatively narrow molecular weight distribution (PDI<1.5) are now readily available. Sequential monomer addition resulted in new block copolymers containing different poly(3-alkylthiophene) segments, which further confirms the “livingness” of this system. Other synthetic methods can be used as well to conduct living polymerization. Blends and electronic devices can be prepared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Carnegie Mellon University
    Inventors: Richard D. McCullough, Elena E. Sheina, Mihaela C. Iovu
  • Publication number: 20080146754
    Abstract: Universal Grignard Metathesis (GRIM) reactions which provide access to conjugated polymers by GRIM methods. A method comprising: providing an unsaturated ring compound comprising at least two halogen ring substituents, providing an organomagnesium reagent comprising an organomagnesium component and a metal activation agent, combining the unsaturated ring compound with the reagent to form a second compound by metal-halogen exchange, wherein the metal activation agent activates the metal-halogen exchange, coupling the second compound to itself in an oligomerization or polymerization reaction. Metal activation agent can be lithium chloride. The process is commercially attractive and can be executed in good yields. Polyfluorenes, polypyrroles, and polythiophenes can be prepared for use in OLED, PLED, photovoltaic, transistor, antistatic coatings, and sensor applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Richard D. MCCULLOUGH, Mihaela C. Iovu, Itaru Osaka
  • Publication number: 20080132670
    Abstract: Metal complexing agents are used to purify polymers including conducting polymers to provide very low metal content. The process comprises precipitating the polymer in solution into a solvent system comprising the metal complexing agent. Very low levels including undetectable levels of metals such as nickel and magnesium can be achieved. High purity polymers are used in electronics and photovoltaic applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Richard D. Mccullough, Mihaela C. Iovu
  • Patent number: 7098294
    Abstract: The present invention relates to polythiophenes, particularly regioregular head-to-tail poly(3-alkylthiophenes) (HT-PATs), block copolymers made therefrom, and their methods of formation. The present invention provides HT-PATs with well-defined, specific end-groups, functionalization of the defined HT-PATs, and incorporation of end group functionalized HT-PATs into block copolymers with structural polymers. The intrinsically conductive diblock and triblock copolymers, formed from the HT-PATs, have excellent conductivity and low polydispersities that are useful in a number of applications. The block copolymers of the present invention have been found to exhibit conductivities that range from a low of 10?8 S/cm for certain applications to as high as several hundred S/cm or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Carnegie Mellon University
    Inventors: Richard D. McCullough, Jinsong Liu, Paul C. Ewbank, Elena E. Sheina
  • Patent number: 6887965
    Abstract: The present invention relates to polythiophenes, particularly regioregular head-to-tail poly(3-alkylthiophenes) (HT-PATs), block copolymers made therefrom, and their methods of formation. The present invention provides HT-PATs with well-defined, specific end-groups, functionalization of the defined HT-PATs, and incorporation of end group functionalized HT-PATs into block copolymers with structural polymers. The intrinsically conductive diblock and triblock copolymers, formed from the HT-PATs, have excellent conductivity and low polydispersities that are useful in a number of applications. The block copolymers of the present invention have been found to exhibit conductivities that range from a low of 10?8 S/cm for certain applications to as high as several hundred S/cm or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Carnegie Mellon University
    Inventors: Richard D. McCullough, Jinsong Liu, Paul C. Ewbank, Elena E. Sheina
  • Publication number: 20040030091
    Abstract: The present invention relates to polythiophenes, particularly regioregular head-to-tail poly(3-alkylthiophenes) (HT-PATs), block copolymers made therefrom, and their methods of formation. The present invention provides HT-PATs with well-defined, specific end-groups, functionalization of the defined HT-PATs, and incorporation of end group functionalized HT-PATs into block copolymers with structural polymers. The intrinsically conductive diblock and triblock copolymers, formed from the HT-PATs, have excellent conductivity and low polydispersities that are useful in a number of applications. The block copolymers of the present invention have been found to exhibit conductivities that range from a low of 10−8 S/cm for certain applications to as high as several hundred S/cm or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Richard D. McCullough, Jinsong Liu, Paul C. Ewbank, Elena E. Sheina
  • Publication number: 20040024171
    Abstract: The present invention relates to polythiophenes, particularly regioregular head-to-tail poly(3-alkylthiophenes) (HT-PATs), block copolymers made therefrom, and their methods of formation. The present invention provides HT-PATs with well-defined, specific end-groups, functionalization of the defined HT-PATs, and incorporation of end group functionalized HT-PATs into block copolymers with structural polymers. The intrinsically conductive diblock and triblock copolymers, formed from the HT-PATs, have excellent conductivity and low polydispersities that are useful in a number of applications. The block copolymers of the present invention have been found to exhibit conductivities that range from a low of 10−8 S/cm for certain applications to as high as several hundred S/cm or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Richard D. McCullough, Jinsong Liu, Paul C. Ewbank, Elena E. Sheina
  • Patent number: 6602974
    Abstract: The present invention relates to polythiophenes, particularly regioregular head-to-tail poly(3-alkylthiophenes) (HT-PATs), block copolymers made therefrom, and their methods of formation. The present invention provides HT-PATs with well-defined, specific end-groups, functionalization of the defined HT-PATs, and incorporation of end group functionalized HT-PATs into block copolymers with structural polymers. The intrinsically conductive diblock and triblock copolymers, formed from the HT-PATs, have excellent conductivity and low polydispersities that are useful in a number of applications. The block copolymers of the present invention have been found to exhibit conductivities that range from a low of 10−8 S/cm for certain applications to as high as several hundred S/cm or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Carnegie Mellon University
    Inventors: Richard D. McCullough, Jinsong Liu, Paul C. Ewbank, Elena E. Sheina
  • Patent number: 6166172
    Abstract: A method of forming a regioregular polythiophene from a polymerization reaction is described. The method proceeds by combining a soluble thiophene having at least two leaving groups with an organomagnesium reagent to form a regiochemical isomer intermediate, and adding thereto an effective amount of Ni(II) catalyst to initiate the polymerization reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Carnegie Mellon University
    Inventors: Richard D. McCullough, Robert S. Loewe