Synthesis and Characterisation of Organic Materials for Energy Related Applications

Warrington, Stefan (2019) Synthesis and Characterisation of Organic Materials for Energy Related Applications. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

The need for sustainable energy generation, storage and use is of the utmost importance. As energy demands have skyrocketed, innovative solutions are required to combat the current energy crisis. The principle aim of this thesis is to develop new materials that can be employed in more sustainable organic electronic devices.
The first chapter introduces the use of organic materials in an array of different electronic devices in particular organic semiconductors and their role in organic light-emitting diodes and organic and hybrid solar cells. The working principles of these devices and how they are characterised for quality are also outlined. Additionally, organic electrode materials specifically as cathodes for lithium-ion batteries is also covered with a brief overview of the working principle and how to characterise a battery.
The second chapter describes the synthesis and characterisation of a series of novel N- heterotriangulenes using donors of varying size as bridging units. These materials were successfully applied as host materials in organic light-emitting diodes.
The third chapter describes the synthesis and characterisation of several different classes of materials for use in solar cells. The first is a swivel-based oligothiophene which utilises its 3D geometry to achieve high solubility while retaining desirable optical and electronic properties. Next, the synthesis and characterisation of linear wide-bandgap donor materials based on alkoxy functionalised triphenylamines are discussed. The use of these materials in organic photovoltaics is then outlined. This is followed by the synthesis and characterisation of a novel dye for dye- sensitised solar cells containing a spiro-acridine based donor motif. The fabrication of devices with this material then demonstrates successful photovoltaic performance. Finally, the synthesis and characterisation of a pre-doped hole transport material based on a copper complex with a phenanthroline based ligand for use in perovskite solar cells are covered.
The fourth chapter describes the synthesis and characterisation of a series of organic electrode materials based on carbonyl bridged N-heterotriangulene core building block. A series of small molecule materials utilising biologically inspired redox-active motifs, anthraquinone and flavin, are covered and their electrochemical performance discussed. Finally, a series of covalent organic frameworks are presented, their synthesis, characterisation and electrochemical performance highlighted.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Additional Information: Due to copyright issues this thesis is not available for viewing.
• Subjects: Q Science > QD Chemistry
• Colleges/Schools: College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
• Supervisor's Name: Cooke, Professor Graeme
• Date of Award: 2019
• Embargo Date: 18 March 2025
• Depositing User: Stefan Warrington
• Unique ID: glathesis:2019-80287
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 18 Mar 2020 16:27
• Last Modified: 21 Mar 2023 15:19
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/80287