Optical and Electronic Properties of Organic Energy Storage Materials

Organic conjugated macromolecules have received great attention due to their use in optical and electronic applications related to energy light harvesting and electronic energy storage devices. Certain molecular assemblies have shown enhanced light harvesting properties by virtue of strong excitonic coupling in the multi-chromophore system. Organic dendrimers, two-dimensional networks, and circular macromolecular aggregates have shown properties of strong intra-molecular interactions which have been utilized in light harvesting processes, photovoltaic (solar) devices, dielectric effects, as well as for enhanced nonlinear optical effects. This talk will discuss new results and conclusions utilizing particular organic macromolecular materials for specific purposes. The focus is on a discussion of the fundamental excitation mechanisms in novel organic systems which possess unique qualities which might help obtain superior efficiencies as well as large energy storage capabilities. Through steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopy, we have characterized the mechanism of energy transport and the relative strength of intra-molecular interactions. In this presentation the photodynamics of useful organic macromolecular assemblies are described by their steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence and absorption properties. For particular assemblies the processes of efficient energy transfer, fast energy re-distribution, and enhanced two-photon absorption cross-sections will be discussed.

Speaker: Professor Theodore Goodson, III, Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan

Pitzer Auditorium