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Buttarazzi E, Inchingolo A, Pedron D, Alberto ME, Collini E, Petrone A. Conformational and environmental effects on the electronic and vibrational properties of dyes for solar cell devices. J Chem Phys 2024; 160:204301. [PMID: 38785282 DOI: 10.1063/5.0207770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The main challenge for solar cell devices is harvesting photons beyond the visible by reaching the red-edge (650-780 nm). Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) devices combine the optical absorption and the charge separation processes by the association of a sensitizer as a light-absorbing material (dye molecules, whose absorption can be tuned and designed) with a wide band gap nanostructured semiconductor. Conformational and environmental effects (i.e., solvent, pH) can drastically influence the photophysical properties of molecular dyes. This study proposes a combined experimental and computational approach for the comprehensive investigation of the electronic and vibrational properties of a unique class of organic dye compounds belonging to the family of red-absorbing dyes, known as squaraines. Our focus lies on elucidating the intricate interplay between the molecular structure, vibrational dynamics, and optical properties of squaraines using state-of-the-art density functional theory calculations and spectroscopic techniques. Through systematic vibrational and optical analyses, we show that (i) the main absorption peak in the visible range is influenced by the conformational and protonation equilibria, (ii) the solvent polarity tunes the position of the UV-vis absorption, and (iii) the vibrational spectroscopy techniques (infrared and Raman) can be used as informative tools to distinguish between different conformations and protonation states. This comprehensive understanding offers valuable insights into the design and optimization of squaraine-based DSSCs for enhanced solar energy conversion efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Buttarazzi
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Largo San Marcellino 10, I-80138 Napoli, Italy
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cintia 21, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonio Inchingolo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 1, I-35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Danilo Pedron
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 1, I-35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Marta Erminia Alberto
- Department of Chemical and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci ed. 12/C, I-87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Collini
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 1, I-35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Alessio Petrone
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Largo San Marcellino 10, I-80138 Napoli, Italy
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cintia 21, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale Di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Napoli, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo ed. 6, Via Cintia, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
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Mathur C, Gupta R, Bansal RK. Organic Donor-Acceptor Complexes As Potential Semiconducting Materials. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202304139. [PMID: 38265160 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202304139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
In this review article, the synthesis, characterization and physico-chemical properties of the organic donor-acceptor complexes are highlighted and a special emphasis has been placed on developing them as semiconducting materials. The electron-rich molecules, i. e., donors have been broadly grouped in three categories, namely polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrogen heterocycles and sulphur containing aromatic donors. The reactions of these classes of the donors with the acceptors, namely tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), tetracyanoethylene (TCNE), tetracyanobenzene (TCNB), benzoquinone, pyromellitic dianhydride and pyromellitic diimides, fullerenes, phenazine, benzothiadiazole, naphthalimide, DMAD, maleic anhydride, viologens and naphthalene diimide are described. The potential applications of the resulting DA complexes for physico-electronic purposes are also included. The theoretical investigation of many of these products with a view to rationalise their observed physico-chemical properties is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandani Mathur
- Department of Chemistry, IIS (deemed to be University), Jaipur, Rajasthan, 302020
| | - Raakhi Gupta
- Department of Chemistry, IIS (deemed to be University), Jaipur, Rajasthan, 302020
| | - Raj K Bansal
- Department of Chemistry, IIS (deemed to be University), Jaipur, Rajasthan, 302020
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Iuzzolino G, Perrella F, Valadan M, Petrone A, Altucci C, Rega N. Photophysics of a nucleic acid-protein crosslinking model strongly depends on solvation dynamics: an experimental and theoretical study. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:11755-11769. [PMID: 38563904 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp06254f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
We present a combined experimental and theoretical study of the photophysics of 5-benzyluracil (5BU) in methanol, which is a model system for interactions between nucleic acids and proteins. A molecular dynamics study of 5BU in solution through efficient DFT-based hybrid ab initio potentials revealed a remarkable conformational flexibility - allowing the population of two main conformers - as well as specific solute-solvent interactions, which both appear as relevant factors for the observed 5BU optical absorption properties. The simulated absorption spectrum, calculated on such an ensemble, enabled a molecular interpretation of the experimental UV-Vis lowest energy band, which is also involved in the induced photo-reactivity upon irradiation. In particular, the first two excited states (mainly involving the uracil moiety) both contribute to the 5BU lowest energy absorption. Moreover, as a key finding, the nature and brightness of such electronic transitions are strongly influenced by 5BU conformation and the microsolvation of its heteroatoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Iuzzolino
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Largo San Marcellino 10, Napoli I-80138, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, via Cintia 21, Napoli I-80126, Italy.
| | - Fulvio Perrella
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Largo San Marcellino 10, Napoli I-80138, Italy
| | - Mohammadhassan Valadan
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, via Pansini 5, Napoli I-80131, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Unità di Napoli, via Cintia 21, Napoli I-80126, Italy
| | - Alessio Petrone
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Largo San Marcellino 10, Napoli I-80138, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, via Cintia 21, Napoli I-80126, Italy.
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Unità di Napoli, via Cintia 21, Napoli I-80126, Italy
| | - Carlo Altucci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, via Pansini 5, Napoli I-80131, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Unità di Napoli, via Cintia 21, Napoli I-80126, Italy
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti "Eduardo Caianiello", URT UNINA, via Cintia 21, Napoli I-80126, Italy
| | - Nadia Rega
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Largo San Marcellino 10, Napoli I-80138, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, via Cintia 21, Napoli I-80126, Italy.
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Unità di Napoli, via Cintia 21, Napoli I-80126, Italy
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Coppola F, Cimino P, Petrone A, Rega N. Evidence of Excited-State Vibrational Mode Governing the Photorelaxation of a Charge-Transfer Complex. J Phys Chem A 2024; 128:1620-1633. [PMID: 38381887 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.3c08366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Modern, nonlinear, time-resolved spectroscopic techniques have opened new doors for investigating the intriguing but complex world of photoinduced ultrafast out-of-equilibrium phenomena and charge dynamics. The interaction between light and matter introduces an additional dimension, where the complex interplay between electronic and vibrational dynamics needs the most advanced theoretical-computational protocols to be fully understood on the molecular scale. In this study, we showcase the capabilities of ab initio molecular dynamics simulation integrated with a multiresolution wavelet protocol to carefully investigate the excited-state relaxation dynamics in a noncovalent complex involving tetramethylbenzene (TMB) and tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) undergoing charge transfer (CT) upon photoexcitation. Our protocol provides an accurate description that facilitates a direct comparison between transient vibrational analysis and time-resolved spectroscopic signals. This molecular level perspective enhances our understanding of photorelaxation processes confined in the adiabatic regime and offers an improved interpretation of vibrational spectra. Furthermore, it enables the quantification of anharmonic vibrational couplings between high- and low-frequency modes, specifically the TCNQ "rocking" and "bending" modes. Additionally, it identifies the primary vibrational mode that governs the adiabaticity between the ground state and the CT state. This comprehensive understanding of photorelaxation processes holds significant importance in the rational design and precise control of more efficient photovoltaic and sensor devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Coppola
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Largo San Marcellino 10, I-80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Paola Cimino
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di M.S. Angelo, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessio Petrone
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Largo San Marcellino 10, I-80138 Napoli, Italy
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di M.S. Angelo, 80126 Napoli, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale Di Fisica Nucleare, sezione di Napoli, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo ed. 6, 80126 Napoli, Italia
| | - Nadia Rega
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Largo San Marcellino 10, I-80138 Napoli, Italy
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di M.S. Angelo, 80126 Napoli, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale Di Fisica Nucleare, sezione di Napoli, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo ed. 6, 80126 Napoli, Italia
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Crisci L, Coppola F, Petrone A, Rega N. Tuning ultrafast time-evolution of photo-induced charge-transfer states: A real-time electronic dynamics study in substituted indenotetracene derivatives. J Comput Chem 2024; 45:210-221. [PMID: 37706600 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.27231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Photo-induced charge transfer (CT) states are pivotal in many technological and biological processes. A deeper knowledge of such states is mandatory for modeling the charge migration dynamics. Real-time time-dependent density functional theory (RT-TD-DFT) electronic dynamics simulations are employed to explicitly observe the electronic density time-evolution upon photo-excitation. Asymmetrically substituted indenotetracene molecules, given their potential application as n-type semiconductors in organic photovoltaic materials, are here investigated. Effects of substituents with different electron-donating characters are analyzed in terms of the overall electronic energy spacing and resulting ultrafast CT dynamics through linear response (LR-)TD-DFT and RT-TD-DFT based approaches. The combination of the computational techniques here employed provided direct access to the electronic density reorganization in time and to its spatial and rational representation in terms of molecular orbital occupation time evolution. Such results can be exploited to design peculiar directional charge dynamics, crucial when photoactive materials are used for light-harvesting applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Crisci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di M.S. Angelo, Naples, Italy
- Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Alessio Petrone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di M.S. Angelo, Naples, Italy
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Naples, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale Di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Napoli, Complesso Universitario di M.S. Angelo ed. 6, Naples, Italy
| | - Nadia Rega
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di M.S. Angelo, Naples, Italy
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Naples, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale Di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Napoli, Complesso Universitario di M.S. Angelo ed. 6, Naples, Italy
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Perrella F, Coppola F, Rega N, Petrone A. An Expedited Route to Optical and Electronic Properties at Finite Temperature via Unsupervised Learning. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28083411. [PMID: 37110644 PMCID: PMC10144358 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28083411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Electronic properties and absorption spectra are the grounds to investigate molecular electronic states and their interactions with the environment. Modeling and computations are required for the molecular understanding and design strategies of photo-active materials and sensors. However, the interpretation of such properties demands expensive computations and dealing with the interplay of electronic excited states with the conformational freedom of the chromophores in complex matrices (i.e., solvents, biomolecules, crystals) at finite temperature. Computational protocols combining time dependent density functional theory and ab initio molecular dynamics (MD) have become very powerful in this field, although they require still a large number of computations for a detailed reproduction of electronic properties, such as band shapes. Besides the ongoing research in more traditional computational chemistry fields, data analysis and machine learning methods have been increasingly employed as complementary approaches for efficient data exploration, prediction and model development, starting from the data resulting from MD simulations and electronic structure calculations. In this work, dataset reduction capabilities by unsupervised clustering techniques applied to MD trajectories are proposed and tested for the ab initio modeling of electronic absorption spectra of two challenging case studies: a non-covalent charge-transfer dimer and a ruthenium complex in solution at room temperature. The K-medoids clustering technique is applied and is proven to be able to reduce by ∼100 times the total cost of excited state calculations on an MD sampling with no loss in the accuracy and it also provides an easier understanding of the representative structures (medoids) to be analyzed on the molecular scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulvio Perrella
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Largo San Marcellino 10, I-80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Federico Coppola
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Largo San Marcellino 10, I-80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Nadia Rega
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Largo San Marcellino 10, I-80138 Napoli, Italy
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di M.S. Angelo, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Napoli, Complesso Universitario di M.S. Angelo ed. 6, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessio Petrone
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Largo San Marcellino 10, I-80138 Napoli, Italy
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di M.S. Angelo, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Napoli, Complesso Universitario di M.S. Angelo ed. 6, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
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Hu DC, Lin XR, Gao Q, Zhang JM, Feng H, Liu JC. Synthesis of novel coordination polymer Cd-MOF and fluorescence recognition of tryptophan. J Mol Struct 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2023.135389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
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