This document summarizes Matt Nisbet's summer experience which included organic chemistry research at the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research and a trip to the United Kingdom to investigate sustainability practices. The research focused on synthesizing acene derivatives for potential use in organic solar cells. During the UK trip, Nisbet explored alternative energy sources and sustainability measures used in the UK due to its sensitive electricity demand and need for quick response to demand changes.

1. Special thanks to Dr. Anthony and the Anthony group at the
University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research,
Jackie Buckingham at the Eden Project, Centre College, and the
James Graham Brown Foundation.
Alternative Energy Research and Exploration
Matt Nisbet
Reaction Pathways Trip to the United KingdomAbstract
Organic Solar Cells
Implications
Organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells convert solar energy as
light into electrical current. A typical OPV array includes an
electron donor material and electron acceptor material.
Current is created by the photovoltaic effect when light hits
the photoactive material. The efficiency of such solar cells
can be increased by fine-tuning the electrical properties of
the materials in question through synthetic structural
manipulation. Properties such as conduction band gap,
absorption spectrum, packing structure, and solubility can
be fine-tuned to optimize energy conversion efficiency and
cost.
A common building block for synthesizing larger molecules.
While visiting the United Kingdom, I was exposed to an
entirely new cultural attitude toward energy production and
consumption. Due to its relatively small population and
landmass, the United Kingdom has a much more sensitive
demand for electricity than the United States. The UK energy
sector must respond to quick surges in demand due to special
events (sports, national holidays) or daily patterns (people
returning home from work at roughly the same time), whereas
in the United States the demand in more uniform. As a result,
the UK has developed innovative ways to meet quick spikes
in demand, including pumped power hydroelectric facilities
and research in tidal power, biofuels, and geothermal energy
production.
Thiophene dialdehyde synthesis
My summer experience consisted of synthetic organic
chemistry research at the University of Kentucky and
a trip to the United Kingdom to investigate
sustainability practices. My research took place at the
UK Center for Applied Energy Research as part of the
Anthony group, focusing on synthesis of acene
derivatives as potential electron donor materials with
electronic applications. During my trip to the United
Kingdom I explored their use of alternative energy as
well as sustainability measures.
Image source: http://www.chem.uky.edu/research/anthony/Solar.gif
Schematic diagram
of Dinorwig Power
Station in
Llanberis,Gwynedd
Source:
http://www.electric
mountain.co.uk/File
Handler.ashx?File=
gal21.jpg
Anti-pollution banner in the Thames River, London.
Domes containing rainforest and Mediterranean
biomes at the Eden Project, Cornwall, UK.
Image source: http://www.photonics.com/images/Web/Articles/
2012/2/1/Figure2_4.jpg
Synthesis of an Asymmetric Brominated Acene
Target molecule has unique asymmetric bromine
substituents as well as a thioacetylene antenna moiety.
The target molecule could have interesting capabilities
as a semiconductor used in field-effect transistors or
organic solar cells.
My summer, filled with opportunities to research and explore, provided me with unique
insight into the world of graduate-level chemistry research. Combining my experience at
UK and my trip to the United Kingdom, next summer I plan to continue my research
interests in developing renewable energy sources, either through academia or industry.
Acknowledgements