New architectures for integrated photoelectrochemical systems. Final report, Sept. 1998 - Dec. 2001

Fox, Marye Anne

North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC (United States)

关键词: 30 Direct Energy Conversion;    14 Solar Energy;    Dimensions;    Photons;    Gold;   

DOI  :  10.2172/803352
RP-ID  :  NONE
RP-ID  :  FG03-94ER14471
RP-ID  :  803352

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

During the three year grant period, significant progress has been made toward the accomplishment of each of the goals outlined in the original proposal. The budget proposed for the project was also expended fully, as originally projected. In accord with these objectives, we have prepared an array of new macromolecules and supramolecular aggregates in which a light-sensitive organic group initiates long range photoinduced electron transfer in this designed heterogeneous environment. In doing so, we have developed several new synthetic methodologies for accurate spatial definition of these polymeric arrays on a nanometer to micrometer scale. We have used these integrated materials to define the photophysical principles that control vectorial energy and electron migration over distances that are large compared with the dimensions of most small molecules. By attaching these same molecules to the surface of a metal or semiconductor electrode, we have obtained chemically modified surfaces that function as efficient vehicles for conversion of incident photons to chemical or electrical energy. Thus, we have investigated: (1) the synthesis and characterization of new polymeric and supramolecular arrays for directional electron transfer; (2) new techniques for optical imaging in self-assembled monolayers on metals (mostly gold); and (3) fundamental principles that govern long range electronic coupling along rigid molecular backbones.