Synthesis and Analysis of Precursors to Fullerene-Functionalized Metal Chalcogenide Nanosheets
Event Type
Research Presentation
Academic Department
Chemistry
Location
Dana Science Building, 2nd floor
Start Date
24-4-2026 1:00 PM
End Date
24-4-2026 2:30 PM
Description
Bulk heterojunction solar cells composed of fullerene electron acceptors and polymer electron donors are the current leaders in the field of flexible and transparent solar cells. The solubility of these components enables low-cost production of thin, transparent films but renders low efficiency. Metal chalcogenide nanosheets, such as CdS, CdSe, ZnS, and ZnSe represent potential solutions to the problem. It is hypothesized that chemically bonding fullerenes to CdX (X= S, Se) and ZnX nanosheets will improve nanosheet stability and solubility while maintaining flexibility and transparency, resulting in a new electron transport material for solar cells. The synthesis of amine and N-boc protected nanosheets as precursors to CdX and ZnX fullerene-functionalized nanosheets is presented here. Preliminary characterization has included FT-IR, UV-visible, fluorescence spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction. Additionally, their capacity to act as electron acceptors has been shown through fluorescence quenching.
Synthesis and Analysis of Precursors to Fullerene-Functionalized Metal Chalcogenide Nanosheets
Dana Science Building, 2nd floor
Bulk heterojunction solar cells composed of fullerene electron acceptors and polymer electron donors are the current leaders in the field of flexible and transparent solar cells. The solubility of these components enables low-cost production of thin, transparent films but renders low efficiency. Metal chalcogenide nanosheets, such as CdS, CdSe, ZnS, and ZnSe represent potential solutions to the problem. It is hypothesized that chemically bonding fullerenes to CdX (X= S, Se) and ZnX nanosheets will improve nanosheet stability and solubility while maintaining flexibility and transparency, resulting in a new electron transport material for solar cells. The synthesis of amine and N-boc protected nanosheets as precursors to CdX and ZnX fullerene-functionalized nanosheets is presented here. Preliminary characterization has included FT-IR, UV-visible, fluorescence spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction. Additionally, their capacity to act as electron acceptors has been shown through fluorescence quenching.
Comments
Under the direction of Dr. Brian Reeves.