CAREER: Time-Resolved Studies of Nanoscale Dendritic Photosynthetic Mimics

本课题旨在制备具有模拟光合作用的电子给体(D)和电子受体(A)基团的大分子树状大分子体系，并研究其光化学和光物理性质。通过改变D和A基团的电化学性质以及它们之间的距离，PI打算学习如何在吸收光后获得有效的分子内电子转移，然后是将光能转化为电势所需的分子间电子转移。有机和大分子化学计划通过该职业奖支持阿克伦大学化学系David A. Modarelli博士的工作。他对光合作用模拟的研究可以提供一种有效的非生物方式，将太阳能转化为化学能（例如以H2和O2的形式），然后用于发电或为车辆提供动力，而不会通过温室效应导致全球变暖。他的教育工作包括：1)将计算机建模整合到本科化学课程中；2)让高年级本科生接触物理有机化学和反应动力学；3)让高中生、本科生和研究生加入他的研究团队。学生将在合成、化学动力学和计算化学方面获得宝贵的经验。

The research proposed aims to prepare macromolecular dendrimer systems containing electron donor (D) and acceptor (A) groups and capable of mimicing photosynthesis, and to study their photochemistry and photophysics. By varying the electrochemical properties of the D and A groups and the distances between them, the PI intends to learn how to get effective intramolecular electron transfer after absorption of light, followed by the intermolecular electron transfer needed to convert light energy into electrical potential. With this CAREER award the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program supports the work of Dr. David A. Modarelli of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Akron. His study of photosynthesis mimics could provide an effective nonbiological way to convert solar energy into chemical energy (e.g. in the form of H2 and O2), which can then be used to generate electricity, or power vehicles, without contributing to global warming through the greenhouse effect.The educational part of his work includes: 1) integrating computer modeling into the undergraduate chemistry curriculum, 2) exposing senior undergraduates to physical organic chemistry and reaction dynamics, and 3) including high school students, undergraduates, and graduate students in his research team. Students will gain valuable experience in synthesis, chemical dynamics, and computational chemistry.