Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Molecular Organic Photovoltaic Cells And Applications, Julie Liu

Theses and Dissertations

The absorption, light scattering, and anti-Stoke’s fluorescence of chlorophyll and closely related sodium copper chlorophyllin were examined in various solutions with a wide range of refractive index and permittivity. It was evident that radiative photo electron decay corresponded to low permittivity solvents, but not to solvent refractive index. Additionally, non-radiative decay was dominant in high permittivity solvents. The properties suggest evolution has provided plants with an ability to redirect light to the chlorophyll in the high permittivity (water) photosynthesis center. Exploratory solar cells exploiting lifetime switching were developed and tested, wherein strong photovoltaic response was exhibited, along with the unique …