Redox active organic molecules with energy conversion and storage applications

Redox active organic molecules with energy conversion and storage applications.
The key aims of this research programme is to develop biologically inspired redox active materials with energy conversion (e.g. solar cells, organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs)) and storage applications (Li-ion batteries, redox flow batteries). We have selected hitherto non-studied biological cofactors as the main redox active moiety in these systems. We will augment their properties, through synthetic manipulation, to fine tune the electronic (e.g. optoelectronic and redox), metal coordination (e.g. Li- ion binding) and processability (e.g solubility) characteristics thereby creating novel building blocks with superior properties to currently available materials. The research programme will involve the student undertaking organic synthesis and structure elucidation, characterisation of properties of materials (e.g. solution electrochemistry, UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy), DFT modelling and device fabrication and characterisation (e.g. solar cells, OLEDs and Li-ion batteries).