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A paradigmatic change: linking fullerenes to electron acceptors
Lai Feng1, Marc Rudolf, Silke Wolfrum
1School of Energy, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P.R. China.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|June 13, 2012
Summary
Lutetium nitride cluster in a fullerene cage (Lu3N@C80) demonstrates electron-donating properties, enabling photoinduced electron transfer in novel optoelectronic devices. This contrasts with traditional carbon60 (C60) fullerenes, opening new avenues for artificial photosynthesis and photovoltaics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Photovoltaics
- Artificial Photosynthesis
- Supramolecular Chemistry
Background:
- Lutetium nitride cluster in a fullerene cage (Lu3N@C80) and its analogues are recognized for their potential as electron acceptors.
- The electron-donating capabilities of Lu3N@C80 have remained unexplored, despite its facile oxidation compared to C60.
- Perylene bisimide (PDI) is a well-established light harvester and electron acceptor in organic electronics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and investigate the physicochemical properties of a Lu3N@C80-perylene bisimide (PDI) conjugate.
- To explore the electron-donating potential of the Lu3N@C80 moiety in optoelectronic applications.
- To compare the photoreactivity of Lu3N@C80-PDI with that of a C60-PDI conjugate.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a covalently linked Lu3N@C80-PDI conjugate.
- Spectroscopic and kinetic studies to elucidate photoinduced electron transfer (PET) pathways.
- Fabrication and testing of a bilayer heterojunction solar cell device using Lu3N@C80 as an electron donor.
Main Results:
- Unambiguous spectroscopic and kinetic evidence confirmed photoinduced electron transfer from the ground state of Lu3N@C80 to the excited state of PDI.
- In contrast, a C60-PDI conjugate exhibited energy transfer processes.
- A solar cell device demonstrated a positive photovoltage (0.46 V) and a negative short-circuit current density (0.38 mA), confirming the electron-donating role of Lu3N@C80.
Conclusions:
- Lu3N@C80 exhibits significant electron-donating properties, distinct from its electron-accepting potential.
- The Lu3N@C80-PDI conjugate facilitates photoinduced electron transfer, highlighting its utility in donor-acceptor systems.
- These findings underscore the potential of Lu3N@C80 as a novel electron donor for constructing advanced optoelectronic devices.
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