Organoborane-based Materials: Photoreactivity, Photochromism, Chemical Sensing and Electroluminescence

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Organoborane-based materials have important and broad applications in catalysis, optoelectronic devices (e.g. non-linear optics, organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic transistors, organic photovoltaic, smart windows etc), bio-imaging/probes and sensory systems. The development of organoborane chemistry and organoborane-based materials has been an on-going and central theme of our research. We aim to discover and exploit new photochemistry and reactivity of organoborane compounds so that better functional materials can be developed. Our research will focus on the following topics: I. Photoreactivity of organoboranes, II. Reactivity via cooperativity of electron donors (phosphine or electron-rich metal centers) and electron acceptors (boranes), III. Decorating organoboranes with carboxylic groups for sensing applications, and IV. Decorating metal compounds with organoboranes for use in OLEDs. Topic I will allow us to acquire new knowledge and insights on photoreactivity of organoboranes and to develop a new class of B-N substituted conjugated materials for applications in optoelectronic devices. Topic II will allow us to establish new methods to trigger chemical reactivity for applications in chemical transformation and catalysis. Topic III will enable us to develop effective visual sensing systems using papers for fluoride ions that are important for human health and the environment. Topic IV will allow us to develop highly efficient blue phosphors for OLEDs, a very challenging class of materials that are in high demand in OLEDs industry and will be used in energy efficient next generation display and lighting devices. The requested funding will support the research activity of 8 graduate students, two summer students and the 4th year research thesis students in the Wang group each year.