CAREER: Control of Substrate Electronic States via Photochromic (Switching) Molecular Adsorbates

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In this project supported by the Chemical Structure, Dynamics and Mechanisms Program, Professor Jacob W. Ciszek of Loyola University Chicago and his students will engage in three areas of exploration, allunified through the use of photochromic (switching) molecules, whose unique properties allow stimuli controlled and reversible changes to be induced in the underlying substrate. The areas of focus will be: 1) The effect of photochromic switching molecules on the work function and core binding energy of the substrate metal surface; 2) Determination of the distance dependence of metal surface-induced quenching of molecularadsorbate excited states, and 3) Exploration of the effect of self-assembled monolayers on the carrier density and conductivity within a semiconducting organic crystal substrate. The principal tools will beorganic synthesis, infrared reflection spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Kelvin probe (for work function determination). The aforementioned research topics have implications for the technology used in everyday life. For example, project one is relevant to organic light emitting diodes and solar cells. Projects 2 and 3 are relevant tothe emerging field of molecular electronics. Project 2 also has implications for luminescence-based biosensing technologies. The research activity in the Ciszek laboratory will also have educationalimplications, through the training of graduate and undergraduate students, the on-going development of a semester-long course in nanoscience, and the participation of Ciszek research group members inannual workshops on scientific research targeted at high school audiences. Professor Ciszek and his students will also participate in a series of science seminars for the general public. Future innovations inthis area include the adaptation of selected topics in the nanoscience course for the general public seminars.