Our synthetic group designs and studies rigid molecular linkers for the functionalization of semiconductor nanoparticles (TiO2 ZrO2 and ZnO) with dyes, chromophores and redox active groups.
The linker design is used to control the distance, aggregation, binding and electronic properties of the dyes to the semiconductor surface
Examples of linkers include tripods and rigid-rod molecules
The systems that we are investigating range from simple molecules to complex supramolecular assemblies
The nanoparticle-linker-donor systems allow fundamental studies of dye-nanoparticle electronic interactions as well as more practical applications for photovoltaics (solar cells), sensors and other devices.
Representation of a tripodal linker carrying a Ru-polypyridyl complex and bound to the surface of a TiO2 nanoparticle through three COOH groups.
The TiO2 nanoparticles are typically ~20 nm in diameter. On each nanoparticle there are hundreds of dyes bound.
Photoexcitation of the chromophore (in this case the Ru complex) results in electron injection in the semiconductor.
