Chapters authored
Bio-Inspired Artificial Light-Harvesting Arrays Based on Boron(III)-Chelates
Many diverse natural systems use sunlight to drive critical chemical reactions. To harvest sufficient photon densities, natural organisms have developed highly sophisticated light absorbing antennae rather than rely on direct illumination of a single chromophore. Attempts to develop artificial analogues have resulted in the synthesis and spectroscopic characterisation of elaborate molecular assemblies and here we consider the case for using boron(III) chelates as the primary light absorbers. Such entities make attractive modules for the creation of multi-component arrays with individual units sited in a logical sequence for long-range electronic energy transfer. Alternatively, certain boron(III) chelates can be synthesised in high yield by simple strategies that avoid time-consuming purification. These latter materials are appealing as components for large-scale light harvesters. The use of photonic crystals avoids the need to position individual molecules at the catalyst but presents severe design challenges. Interrupting, or redirecting, the flow of excitons within the array requires the introduction of novel switches that can be activated by selective illumination. Protecting the array against adventitious photofading is a major objective that has yet to be achieved.
Part of the book: Recent Advances in Boron-Containing Materials