This report proposes a new single-molecule organic photovoltaic cell. Primarily discussed in this report is the synthesis of the light absorbing molecule, a functionalized porphyrin. We synthesized trans-5,15-bis(4-aminophenyl)-10,20-bis(4-carbomethoxyphenyl) porphyrin (TA2CM2PP) via a [2+2] condensation with 4-nitrophenyldipyrromethane and 4-carboxymethyl-benzaldehyde followed by oxidation by DDQ to yield trans-5,15-bis(4-nitrophenyl)-10,20-bis(4-carbomethoxyphenyl) porphyrin as confirmed by 1H-NMR. Finally, a tin chloride reduction yielded the desired aminophenyl porphyrin. Silicon surface experiments were conducted with a newly synthesized zinc porphyrin-perylene derivative. XP spectra confirm the attachment of porphyrin-perylene derivatives on Si surfaces.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Travassos, Emma Isabel

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042419-193920

Advisor

• Grimm, Ronald

Year

• 2019

Date created

• 2019-04-24

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemistry

Rights statement

• In Copyright