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Photoinduced Charge Accumulation in Molecular Systems
Annabell G Bonn1, Oliver S Wenger2
1Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, St. Johanns-Ring 19, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland.
Chimia
|October 29, 2015
Summary
Researchers are developing molecular systems to capture light energy for producing solar fuels. Some systems use sacrificial electron donors, while others can accumulate charge without them, advancing renewable energy research.
Area of Science:
- Photochemistry
- Materials Science
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Fuel-forming reactions like CO2 reduction and water splitting require multiple redox equivalents.
- Efficient light-driven production of solar fuels necessitates mastering photoinduced charge accumulation in molecular components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review key molecular systems for photoinduced electron or hole accumulation.
- To highlight advancements in solar fuel research.
Main Methods:
- Review of molecular systems including trinuclear Ru-Rh-Ru complexes, Ir-sensitized polyoxotungstate hybrids, and organic moieties (perylenebis(dicarboximide), quinones, oligotriarylamines).
Main Results:
- Demonstration of charge accumulation using both inorganic and organic molecular components.
- Identification of systems that utilize sacrificial electron donors and those that do not.
Conclusions:
- Molecular systems are crucial for harnessing light energy to create solar fuels.
- Progress in charge accumulation strategies, with and without sacrificial additives, is key to advancing solar fuel technologies.
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