Use of biopolymers in the making of solar cells and colour changing devices

1. Functionalized biopolymers for application in
molecular electronics and in photonics

2. Scope of the project:
Goals:
•Development of novel materials and devices for
biooptoelectronics and biophotonics
•Transfer of knowledge and experience from
leading institutions outside the EU to project
beneficiaries

3. Reference material: Diazole acceptors
Diazoles:
•Robust conjugated systems with
strong electron acceptor properties.
•Well-known systems whose
electrochemical behaviour may be
easily tailored.
•Fast redox switching, limited by ion
migration rather than electron
transfer – electrolyte testing.
N
N
N
+
O
-
O
X
N
N
N
+
O
-
O
X
X =
-H
-OCH3
-Cl

4. Imidazoles – UV-Vis spectra

5. Summary:
• Use of standard electrolyte (TBATFB – tetrabutylammonium
tetrafluoroborate) and modified DNA electrolyte (DNA-CTAB –
DNA functionalised with cetyltrimethylammmonium bromide)
yields different products upon electrochemical reduction of
diazoles.
• Improved stability of properties for DNA-based electrolyte,
however, changes of absorption spectra are less beneficient
than for TBATFB.
• Prototype deivces are in development for studies on colour
switching times for both types of electrolytes.

6. Summary:
• Use of standard electrolyte (TBATFB – tetrabutylammonium
tetrafluoroborate) and modified DNA electrolyte (DNA-CTAB –
DNA functionalised with cetyltrimethylammmonium bromide)
yields different products upon electrochemical reduction of
diazoles.
• Improved stability of properties for DNA-based electrolyte,
however, changes of absorption spectra are less beneficient
than for TBATFB.
• Prototype deivces are in development for studies on colour
switching times for both types of electrolytes.