The goal for the Reczek Group is to create a capable and low-cost solar cell. To do this the group utilizes the self-assembly formation of electron poor and electron rich molecules which together stack together in alternating fashion to create Donor-Acceptor Columnar Liquid Crystals (DACLCs). This arrangement of alternating compounds enhances π- π stacking, and the new HOMO-LUMO gap that occurs allows for a larger charge-transfer band of absorption past the visible region and into the NIR. This project focuses on two specific derivatives of the planar, electron poor Naphthalene Di Imide (NDI); diCyano NDI and di-TMS Acetylide NDI. These compounds were added to the electron rich components diAmino Naphthalene and diAlkoxy Naphthalene with heat to form the DACLCs. They were analyzed via Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), UV-Vis and NIR Spectroscopy and Crystallography. Future work consists of altering alkyl chains and synthesizing new derivatives for more possibilities to enhance DACLC properties.

Synthesis of di-cyano NDIs and its applications in donor-acceptor columnar liquid crystals

251st National Meeting (2016)

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