Abstract: Methods for mechanochemically synthesizing compositions comprising bridged bicyclic-based compounds such as iptycene-based compounds are generally provided. In some cases, two or more polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons may be mechanochemically reacted such that the product comprises the bridged bicyclic-based compound. In some embodiments, the product (e.g., the bridged bicyclic compound) may comprise two or more [2.2.2] bicyclic cores. In certain embodiments, the mechanochemical reactions described herein may produce higher order bridged bicyclic-based compounds such as oligoiptcyenes or poly-iptycenes. In certain embodiments, the bridged bicyclic based compound comprises a molecular cage.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein may be useful for optofluidic devices. For example, optofluidic devices using dynamic fluid lens materials represent an ideal platform to create versatile, reconfigurable, refractive optical components. For example, the articles described herein may be useful as fluidic tunable compound micro-lenses. Such compound micro-lenses may be composed of two or more components (e.g., two or more inner phases) that form stable bi-phase emulsion droplets in outer phases (e.g., aqueous media). Advantageously, the refractive index contrast at each material interface and/or the curvature of each interface may contribute to the focusing power of a refractive optical element, allowing for a wide tuning range of the emulsion lenses' focal length, and thereby enabling switching between converging or diverging lens geometries.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein may be useful in the detection of analytes. The systems and methods may allow for a relatively simple and rapid way for detecting analytes such as chemical and/or biological analytes and may be useful in numerous applications including sensing, food manufacturing, medical diagnostics, performance materials, dynamic lenses, water monitoring, environmental monitoring, detection of proteins, detection of DNA, among other applications. For example, the systems and methods described herein may be used for determining the presence of a contaminant such as bacteria (e.g., detecting pathogenic bacteria in food and water samples which helps to prevent widespread infection, illness, and even death). Advantageously, the systems and methods described herein may not have the drawbacks in current detection technologies including, for example, relatively high costs, long enrichment steps and analysis times, and/or the need for extensive user training.

Abstract: In one aspect, compositions comprising emissive compounds including polycyclic aromatic groups are provided. In some embodiments, the emissive compounds may include various moieties having desirable physical and electronic properties. In some embodiments, the compositions may be useful for use in, for example, organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), chemical sensors, organic photovoltaics, and other devices. An advantageous feature of some embodiments described herein is the ability to tune the electronic properties of the compositions in order to suit a particular application. For example, compositions comprising emissive compounds described herein may exhibit thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) and may be useful as emissive chromophores in e.g., OLED devices. In other cases, the compositions may exhibit high-lying triplet states and may be able to trap various triplet emitters, for use as e.g., host materials for OLED devices.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions, articles, and methods for down-converting light and other applications. In some embodiments, the articles comprise a substrate and a composition comprising one or more types of polymers and one or more additives. In certain embodiments, the one or more additives comprise a light-emitting dye and/or a diluent matrix.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to colloids and methods for changing the arrangement of droplet phases. In some embodiments, the colloids and methods comprise a plurality of droplets comprising two or more components, such that the two or more components can change arrangement of the components in the presence of an external stimulus. In some embodiments, the change in component arrangement is reversible. In certain embodiments, the change in component arrangement forms Janus droplets.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to compositions, devices, and methods for storage of energy (e.g., electrical energy). In some cases, devices including polyacetylene-containing polymers are provided.

Abstract: Methods for depositing materials on patterned substrates, and related devices, are generally provided. In some embodiments, a material is deposited on a patterned substrate. In certain embodiments, the substrate comprises a first portion with a material deposited on the first portion and a second portion of the substrate essentially free of the material. The methods described herein may be useful in fabricating sensors, circuits, tags, among other devices. In some cases, devices for determining analytes are also provided.

Abstract: Electromechanical devices described herein may employ tunneling phenomena to function as low-voltage switches. Opposing electrodes may be separated by an elastically deformable layer which, in some cases, may be made up of a non-electrically conductive material. In some embodiments, the elastically deformable layer is substantially free of electrically conductive material. When a sufficient actuation voltage and/or force is applied, the electrodes are brought toward one another and, accordingly, the elastically deformable layer is compressed. Though, the elastically deformable layer prevents the electrodes from making direct contact with one another. Rather, when the electrodes are close enough to one another, a tunneling current arises therebetween. The elastically deformable layer may exhibit spring-like behavior such that, upon release of the actuation voltage and/or force, the separation distance between electrodes is restored.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein may be useful in the detection of analytes. The systems and methods may allow for a relatively simple and rapid way for detecting analytes such as chemical and/or biological analytes and may be useful in numerous applications including sensing, food manufacturing, medical diagnostics, performance materials, dynamic lenses, water monitoring, environmental monitoring, detection of proteins, detection of DNA, among other applications. For example, the systems and methods described herein may be used for determining the presence of a contaminant such as bacteria (e.g., detecting pathogenic bacteria in food and water samples which helps to prevent widespread infection, illness, and even death). Advantageously, the systems and methods described herein may not have the drawbacks in current detection technologies including, for example, relatively high costs, long enrichment steps and analysis times, and/or the need for extensive user training.

Abstract: A sensor device can include a transition metal complex capable of interacting with a carbon-carbon multiple bond moiety. The sensor can detect the fruit-ripening hormone ethylene with high sensitivity.

Abstract: Methods for mechanochemically synthesizing compositions comprising bridged bicyclic-based compounds such as iptycene-based compounds are generally provided. In some cases, two or more polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons may be mechanochemically reacted such that the product comprises the bridged bicyclic-based compound. In some embodiments, the product (e.g., the bridged bicyclic compound) may comprise two or more [2.2.2] bicyclic cores. In certain embodiments, the mechanochemical reactions described herein may produce higher order bridged bicyclic-based compounds such as oligoiptcyenes or poly-iptycenes. In certain embodiments, the bridged bicyclic based compound comprises a molecular cage.

Abstract: An abuse-deterrent pharmaceutical composition has been developed to reduce the likelihood of improper administration of drugs, especially drugs such as opiods. In the preferred embodiment, a drug is modified to increase its lipophilicity. In preferred embodiments the modified drug is homogeneously dispersed within microparticles composed of a material that is either slowly soluble or not soluble in water. In some embodiments the drug containing microparticles or drug particles are coated with one or more coating layers, where at least one coating is water insoluble and preferably organic solvent insoluble, but enzymatically degradable by enzymes present in the human gastrointestinal tract. The abuse-deterrent composition retards the release of drug, even if the physical integrity of the formulation is compromised (for example, by chopping with a blade or crushing) and the resulting material is placed in water, snorted, or swallowed.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to compositions, devices, and methods for storage of energy (e.g., electrical energy). In some cases, devices including polyacetylene-containing polymers are provided.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions comprising and methods for forming functionalized carbon-based nanostructures.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide functionalized carbon nanostructures for use in various devices, including photovoltaic devices (e.g., solar cells). In some embodiments, carbon nanostructures substituted with at least one cyclobutyl and/or cyclobutenyl group are provided. Devices including such materials may exhibit increased efficiency, increased open circuit potential, high electron/hole mobility, and/or low electrical resistance.

Abstract: A sensor device can include a transition metal complex capable of interacting with a carbon-carbon multiple bond moiety. The sensor can detect the fruit-ripening hormone ethylene with high sensitivity.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide functionalized carbon nanostructures for use in various devices, including photovoltaic devices (e.g., solar cells). In some cases, the carbon nanostructures are fullerenes substituted with one or more isobenzofulvene species and/or indane species. Devices including such materials may exhibit increased efficiency, increased open circuit potential, high electron/hole mobility, and/or low electrical resistance.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to compositions including iptycene-based structures and extended iptycene structures. In some embodiments, the compositions may be useful in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic photovoltaics, and other devices.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to compositions including iptycene-based structures. Some embodiments provide compositions including polymers having a backbone comprising an iptycene-based compound. Some embodiments described herein provide compositions having enhanced properties such as enhanced porosity, increased glass transition temperatures, and/or improved solubility as compared to traditional poly(aryl ether)-based compounds or traditional iptycene-based compounds. In some cases, the compositions may include various aryl ether compounds such as an aryl ether ketone incorporated into the polymer backbone. Non-limiting examples of suitable aryl ether compounds include polyaylethersulfones, polyaryletherketones, polyetherimides, and polyphenylene ethers.