Honors Theses
Date of Award
2017
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Chemistry and Biochemistry
First Advisor
Jared Delcamp
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) represent a promising alternative method of energy generation. Absorbance of light across the visible spectrum and into the near-infrared (NIR) region is crucial to increasing the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of DSC devices. Dye absorbance can be red-shifted by either increasing the conjugation path of the photosensitizer or by increasing the strength of electron donors and acceptors found in molecules. By using a polycyclic aromatic π-bridge in a dye, lower energy wavelengths of light can be absorbed. Dibenzochrysene is a six-ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) with substitutable positions that allow for a double-donor, double-acceptor (DD-π-AA) structure, in which both donors and both acceptors contribute to the electronic properties of the structure. This under-utilized dye structure benefits from the additive electron donation strength provided by two donor groups, allowing for a narrowed optical band gap and deeper absorbance into the NIR region. Additionally, the usage of two anchoring groups creates dye molecules that bind tightly to metal oxide semiconductors and leads to more stable solar devices. To date, several synthetic strategies have been attempted towards the creation of these types of dyes.
Recommended Citation
Flamm, Bailey Nicole, "Synthesis of Cross-Conjugated Dibenzochrysene-Based Photosensitizers for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells" (2017). Honors Theses. 114.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/114
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