Metal organic frameworks are comprised of bidentate linker scaffolds and metal/metal clusters nodes oriented into a porous, three-dimensional, crystalline network. Modification of MOFs either through incorporation or encapsulation of molecular light-harvesters impart photo-activity through the generation of molecular excited states. Excited state chemistry in MOFs has been utilized for sensing, photo-catalytic, and photovoltaic applications. Herein, we report the fabrication of Ruthenium Polypyridyl functionalized MOFs and MOF-sensitized solar cells (MOFSCs). We quantify the excited state dynamics including the rate and efficiency of homo-resonance energy transfer between chromophores. In solar cell constructs, we compare the photovoltaic properties of the MOFSCs to an analogous dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) construct. Importantly, we report the first MOFSC that outperforms a traditional DSSC, solidifying MOFSCs as a promising platform for photovoltaic assemblies. The structure of the modified MOFs and their energy transfer properties are correlated to solar cell efficiency. Through these correlations, we have uncovered vital structure–function relationships for the development of future MOFSCs.

Photochemistry of metal organic frameworks: Ruthenium polypyridyl excited state chemistry in a new type of supramolecular material

251st National Meeting (2016)

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