Devices charge-transfer bridge

Moreover, supra-molecular systems involving crown ethers, fullerene and k-extended systems have been achieved that can mimic the photosynthetic process [9-14]. The fullerene Qo has been used successfully as an electron acceptor in the construction of model photosynthetic systems [9], the r-extended systems, such as porphyrins [12], phthalocyanines [13], r-extended tetrathiafulvalene (w -exTTF) derivatives [9,10], which are utilized as electron donors, while the crown ethers act as a bridge between the electron donor and acceptor. In the absorption spectrum of the complexes, the absorption maxima are associated experimentally and theoretically with the formation of charge-transfer states [14-16]. Consequently, these supramolecular systems have potential for applications in photonic, photocatalytic, and molecular optoelectronic gates and devices [9-14]. As a result, the study of the conformations and the complexation behavior of crown ethers and their derivatives are motivated both by scientific curiosity regarding the specificity of their binding and by potential technological applications. 

While such a device has yet to be constructed, Debreczeny and co-workers have synthesized and studied a linear D-A, -A2 triad suitable for implementation in such a device.11641 In this system, compound 6, a 4-aminonaphthalene monoimide (AN I) electron donor is excited selectively with 400 nm laser pulses. Electron transfer from the excited state of ANI to Ai, naphthalene-1,8 4,5-diimide (NI), occurs across a 2,5-dimethylphenyl bridge with x = 420 ps and a quantum yield of 0.95. The dynamics of charge separation and recombination in these systems have been well characterized.11651 Spontaneous charge shift to A2, pyromellitimide (PI), is thermodynamically uphill and does not occur. The mechanism for switching makes use of the large absorption cross-section of the NI- anion radical at 480 nm, (e = 28,300). A second laser pulse at 480 nm can selectively excite this chromophore and provide the necessary energy to move the electron from NI- to PI. These systems do not rely on electrochemical oxidation-reduction reactions at an electrode. Thus, switching occurs on a subpicosecond time scale. 

Intramolecular electron transfer is currently the subject of much experimental and theoretical studies, due to its wide occurence in diverse fields of chemistry, physics and biology. From a fundamental point of view, it is one of the simplest conceivable chemical reactions. Its study in discrete molecular species is a very active research topic and could lead to a better understanding of the process of charge migration in condensed matter. This studies are performed on chemical systems containing two redox sites linked by some kind of bridge. In addition to their interest for fundamental research, such systems can be considered as precursors of molecular" electronic devices. ... 

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