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Integrating a Triplet-triplet Annihilation Up-conversion System to Enhance Dye-sensitized Solar Cell Response to Sub-bandgap Light
Published on: September 12, 2014
Diarylethene Isomerization by Using Triplet-Triplet Annihilation Photon Upconversion.
Wera Larsson1, Masakazu Morimoto2, Masahiro Irie2
1Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 41296, Göteborg, Sweden.
Visible light drives diarylethene (DAE) photoswitch isomerization using green-to-blue photon upconversion. This method allows in situ monitoring and selective control of DAE reactions, offering an alternative to UV light.
Area of Science:
- Photochemistry
- Materials Science
- Molecular Engineering
Background:
- Triplet-triplet annihilation photon upconversion (TTA-UC) is a promising technique for visible light-driven reactions.
- Diarylethene (DAE) photoswitches are molecular systems that undergo reversible photoisomerization.
- Integrating TTA-UC with DAEs could enable new photochemical applications using visible light.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate reversible photoisomerization of DAE photoswitches using visible light via TTA-UC.
- To achieve selective control over ring-opening and ring-closing reactions of DAEs with a single light source.
- To develop an in situ monitoring method for DAE isomerization using fluorescence.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a green-to-blue TTA-UC system with 9,10-diphenylanthracene (DPA) and platinum octaethylporphyrin (PtOEP).
- Investigated the photoisomerization of DAE photoswitches driven by upconverted photons.
- Employed physically separated solutions for concomitant and individual characterization of the upconversion and DAE systems.
- Quantified the efficiency of upconverted photon-driven ring-closing reactions.
Main Results:
- Successfully drove reversible photoisomerization of DAEs using visible light through TTA-UC.
- Achieved selective triggering of both ring-opening and ring-closing reactions with a single green light source.
- Demonstrated in situ monitoring of isomerization via fluorescence from the closed DAE isomer.
- Quantified the efficiency of upconverted photon-induced isomerization, comparing it to UV-driven processes.
Conclusions:
- Visible light-driven TTA-UC provides a versatile platform for controlling DAE photoswitch isomerization.
- The developed system allows for selective reaction control and in situ monitoring without sample separation.
- Photon upconversion offers a viable alternative to UV light for DAE photoswitch applications, with potential for enhanced selectivity and safety.
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