Electron and energy transfer in two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks
Lead Research Organisation:
University College London
Department Name: Chemistry
Abstract
This project will study electron and energy transfer in porphyrin-based two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (2D-COFs).
Two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (2D-COFs) are ordered materials where individual planar molecules are linked through covalent bonds, thereby generating a stable two-dimensional molecular network. A key aspect of these COFs is that if the individual molecules are conjugated systems - such as porphyrins - then it is possible that the entire network will also be conjugated, allowing facile transfer of charge carriers and/or energy across the framework. This could provide potential applications in a number of fields, including molecular electronics.
The project will involve fabricating the COFs and assessing the success of the fabrication process using scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM). Electron and energy transfer processes will then be measured using spectroscopic techniques, primarily transient absorption spectroscopy, in order to ascertain and optimise their suitability for molecular electronic applications.
Two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (2D-COFs) are ordered materials where individual planar molecules are linked through covalent bonds, thereby generating a stable two-dimensional molecular network. A key aspect of these COFs is that if the individual molecules are conjugated systems - such as porphyrins - then it is possible that the entire network will also be conjugated, allowing facile transfer of charge carriers and/or energy across the framework. This could provide potential applications in a number of fields, including molecular electronics.
The project will involve fabricating the COFs and assessing the success of the fabrication process using scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM). Electron and energy transfer processes will then be measured using spectroscopic techniques, primarily transient absorption spectroscopy, in order to ascertain and optimise their suitability for molecular electronic applications.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Tracey Clarke (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Caroline Nowicka-Dylag (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509577/1 | 01/10/2016 | 24/03/2022 | |||
| 1785167 | Studentship | EP/N509577/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2019 | Caroline Nowicka-Dylag |
| Description | I have been working on improvements in the synthesis of covalent organic frameworks (COFs), which have shown interesting photophysical properties. In improving the reaction process, I have been able to study the photophysical properties of the thin film COFs I have made. The photophysical properties of the COFs have been compared to the porphyrins from which they have been made and distinct differences in their absorbances have been seen. Work is still being carried out to determine which photophysical processes have changed. More interestingly, I am going on to compare different porphyrins (i.e. changing metal centres) and also go on to compare these metallated COFs. |
| Exploitation Route | The COF films I have made and investigated can vary dramatically due to the synthesis process, the thickness of the film, the precursors etc... so I have only looked into certain parameters. Ideally, in the future, thinner films can be investigated to determine how the different morphology changes the photophysical properties. Depending on the photophysical properties, these films can have an interesting effect on solar cell development. |
| Sectors | Chemicals,Energy |