Synthesis of Porphyrin Complexes for Solar Cells
University
Shawnee State University
Major
Chemistry
Student Type
Undergraduate Student
Presentation Types
Oral Group Presentation (Live)
Abstract
In recent years, solar energy has emerged as a key area of scientific research due to its potential for large-scale energy production. Our research focuses on the light-absorbing components of solar cells, which are often based on molecules known as porphyrins. As an initial step toward developing more complex compounds, we first synthesized a mixed porphyrin. To verify the success of this synthesis, we used proton NMR spectroscopy to confirm the formation of the desired product. Afterwards, we used preparative thin-layer chromatography (prep-TLC) to identify the porphyrin and separate it from any impurities present in the crude product. With the porphyrin compound confirmed and purified, our next objective is to perform a Sonogashira coupling reaction to attach additional functional groups to the porphyrin.. With this preliminary data, we are now prepared to couple the purified mixed porphyrin with other compounds, ultimately creating dyes suitable for use in solar cells
Human and Animal Subjects
no
IRB or IACUC Approval
yes
Faculty Mentor Name
Derek Jones
Faculty Mentor Title
Professor of Chemistry
Faculty Mentor Department
Natural Sciences
Recommended Citation
Martin, Lorelei and Loper, Mekenzie, "Synthesis of Porphyrin Complexes for Solar Cells" (2025). Celebration of Scholarship. 2.
https://digitalcommons.shawnee.edu/cos/2025/session2/2
Location
LIB 204
Synthesis of Porphyrin Complexes for Solar Cells
LIB 204
In recent years, solar energy has emerged as a key area of scientific research due to its potential for large-scale energy production. Our research focuses on the light-absorbing components of solar cells, which are often based on molecules known as porphyrins. As an initial step toward developing more complex compounds, we first synthesized a mixed porphyrin. To verify the success of this synthesis, we used proton NMR spectroscopy to confirm the formation of the desired product. Afterwards, we used preparative thin-layer chromatography (prep-TLC) to identify the porphyrin and separate it from any impurities present in the crude product. With the porphyrin compound confirmed and purified, our next objective is to perform a Sonogashira coupling reaction to attach additional functional groups to the porphyrin.. With this preliminary data, we are now prepared to couple the purified mixed porphyrin with other compounds, ultimately creating dyes suitable for use in solar cells
