FSU Chemist Studies Light-Matter Reactions
#LightMatter
FSU Chemist Studies Light-Matter Reactions
#LightMatter
Research Terms
Alternative Energy Advanced Energy Technology Life Sciences Natural Sciences Physical Sciences Chemistry Physical Chemistry Chemical Reactions Photochemistry Photocatalysis Photoconversion Photoelectrochemistry Photovoltaics Ultraviolet Photochemistry Applied Science
Keywords
Color Chemistry Dye Chemistry Fluorescence Phosphorescence Photocatalysis Photochemistry Photophysics Solar Cells Solar Energy Conversion
Industries
Research Interest The Hanson research group studies light-matter interactions with an emphasis on the design, synthesis, and characterization of light absorbing and emitting molecules. We use electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques to understand the molecules’ structure-property relationships and how those relationships dictate their performance and application. In particular we are interested in 1) understanding and controlling energy and electron transfer a organic-inorganic interfaces for solar energy conversion, 2) generating dye-sensitized photodetectors, 3) utilizing excited state proton transfer catalysis to facilitate organic transformations, and 4) harnessing triplet excited states to increase work output in photo-mechanical polymers. Given the multifaceted nature of this work, student in our research group are trained in synthesis, photochemical reactions, steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopy, electrochemical techniques, and device characterization.
Inter-American Photochemical Society, Member; 2014 - present
Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, Member; 2012 - present
Phi Lambda Upsilon, The National Chemistry Honor Society , Member; 2005 - present
Phi Lambda Upsilon, The National Chemistry Honor Society , Member; 2005 - present
American Chemical Society, Member; 2003 - present
Research Interest The Hanson research group studies light-matter interactions with an emphasis on the design, synthesis, and characterization of light absorbing and emitting molecules. We use electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques to understand the molecules’ structure-property relationships and how those relationships dictate their performance and application. In particular we are interested in 1) understanding and controlling energy and electron transfer a organic-inorganic interfaces for solar energy conversion, 2) generating dye-sensitized photodetectors, 3) utilizing excited state proton transfer catalysis to facilitate organic transformations, and 4) harnessing triplet excited states to increase work output in photo-mechanical polymers. Given the multifaceted nature of this work, student in our research group are trained in synthesis, photochemical reactions, steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopy, electrochemical techniques, and device characterization.
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This presentation recounts my journey in the academic job market. It provides insights into the process as well as advice to those searching for jobs. http://www.chemistry-blog.com/2013/04/20/get-a-job-ken/
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| Director |
Mykhailo (Michael) Shatruk Wei Guo |
| Phone | |
| Website | https://quantum.fsu.edu/ |
| Mission | The mission of the FSU Initiative in Quantum Science and Engineering (FSU Quantum) is to accelerate the discovery of novel quantum phenomena that can impact the design of engineered systems for quantum information processing, communication, sensing, and algorithms, as well as devices and hardware that rely on quantum protocols. The major goals of FSU Quantum are: To operate at the interface between the basic sciences and engineering to ensure advancement of research on quantum science and quantum materials. |
Photon upconversion (UC), combining two lower energy photons to generate a higher energy excited state, can be used to harness "sub-band gap photons" and reach maximum theoretical solar cell efficiencies of >40%. Molecular photon upconversion, by way of triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA-UC), is particularly appealing because UC is achievable even under low intensity, non-coherent, solar irradiation. Current efforts to harness TTA-UC in solar energy conversion are predominantly based on using UC solution or polymer film as a filter or reflector working in conjunction with a conventional solar cell but increase the cost and complexity of the device.
Our technology is capable of facilitating photon upconversion in films of self-assembled bilayers, presented in Tech ID 15-001. The films can be prepared by a step-wise soaking/loading procedure that is amenable to roll-to-roll printing for large scale manufacturing of devices. The self-assembled bilayer strategy is effective at facilitating photocurrent generation from the upconverted state. This technology offers a new class of self-assembled UC solar cells that show promise as a means of passing the maximum theoretical limit for single junction solar cells.
Electron transfer at organic-inorganic hybrid interfaces is a critical event in bio/organic electronics, solar energy conversion, electrocatalysis, sensing and other applications. At the interfaces in these devices, the goal is to maximize the rate of electron transfer in one direction (forward electron transfer, FET). Equally important is the inhibition of the back electron transfer (BET). We have introduced the use of a molecular bridge in self-assembled bilayer films as an effective strategy for modulating electron transfer dynamics at the semiconductor-molecule interface. The bilayer films of the general form MO-(X)-Zr-moelcule are composed of a metal oxide electrode (MO; TiO2 or SnO2 for example), a bridging molecule (X), linking ions (Zr, Zn, etc.) and a molecule. One example bilayer with TiO2, a bridging molecules 1, 2 or 3, Zr4+ ions and RuC ([Ru(bpy)2(4,4'-(COOH)2bpy)]2+) is depicted in Figure. This approach offers a simple and modular method for slowing BET between any dye molecule and the semiconductor interface. Additionally, as opposed to other methods of slowing BET, like atomic layer deposition or synthetic modification, the step-wise soaking/loading procedure is amenable to roll-to-roll printing for large scale manufacturing of devices. Controlling electron transfer rates will help to decrease photocurrent leakage and improve device performances.
Enantioselective synthesis is the cornerstone of modern synthetic chemistry and a crucial step in the production of fine chemicals like food additives, fragrances, natural products, and pharmaceuticals.
One of the most utilized ligands/ catalysts for these enantioselective reactions is 1,1' - bi-2-napthol ("BINOL"). The most common methods to synthesize these complexes, however, result in the formation of a racemic mixture of R and S isomers. Unfortunately, since only a single isomer of BINOL is needed, the racemic mixture is typically purified through chromatography or recrystallization to achieve the desired isomer, while the other half of the reaction mass is discarded.
The present invention proposes the use of photoisomerization as an alternative strategy to generate enantiomerically pure BINOL. Due to excited state proton transfer (ESPT) BINOL can planarize and isomerize upon photoexcitation. We have invented the use of bulky chiral auxialiary groups to increase the rotational barrier of relaztion selectively for one BINOL atropisomer as a means of preferentially generating one of the BINOL isomers. The identity of the auxiliary group determined both the direction of rotation and the extent of enantiomeric excess observed.
