Photosensitizers are compounds that use the energy of sunlight to produce a chemical change in another compound. They are used in many applications such as solar cells and solar panels. Currently photosensitizers are made using precious heavy metals that are low in abundance such as ruthenium and iridium. Researchers are working toward making photosensitizers with more abundant metals like zirconium and titanium. So, the purpose of this research is to replace precious heavy metals with more abundant and cheap metals in compounds that act as photosensitizers. Two types of photosensitizers were synthesized. One using H2(PhPDPPh) as a ligand and one using H2(MePDPMe). The ligands were reacted with ZrCl2Ns2(OEt2)2 in toluene. (PhPDPPh)ZrCl2(OEt2) was recrystallized using pentane giving an 85% yield. (MePDPMe)ZrCl2(OEt2) was precipitated using a mixture of benzene and pentane having a 34% yield. In conclusion the compounds were successfully synthesized and analyzed using NMR. Ultimately the goal is to make efficient photosensitizers using earth abundant transition metals.

Zirconium complexes as photosensitizers for solar energy conversion

2019 Spring National Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.