Donald Knobloch, a senior chemistry major, had the following to say about his thesis:

“My research involved the synthesis and testing of two analogous polymers, poly[2-(2-carbazol-9-yl-ethoxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] and poly(2-ethoxy-1,4-phenylenevinylene). Numerous related polymers have been developed in the past and all of these substances fall under the class known as “light-emitting polymers.” That is, when electricity is applied, these polymers emit visible light of a characteristic color. Based on small molecular differences among different polymers, different colors of light as well as different structural properties can be achieved. These polymers have strong applications in color display devices. Diodes utilizing a polymer as the light-emitting component are cheaper to fabricate than traditional LEDs and offer a more versatile set of physical properties, including high flexibility and ink-jet printer compatibility. I was able to successfully synthesize and characterize the latter polymer, poly(2-ethoxy-1,4-phenylenevinylene), which maximally emits blue-green light. The former polymer, poly[2-(2-carbazol-9-yl-ethoxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene], required a somewhat more complicated synthesis route which I was nearly able to complete. Unfortunately, my progress was arrested due to time constraints, but I have proposed additional steps by which the synthesis could be completed. The results of my research were presented at the 231st National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Atlanta, Georgia, March 26-31, 2006.”