Synthesis and characterization of novel organometallic and organic electrochromic materials

With the proliferation of the internet, new fiberoptic high-bandwidth data transmission systems are needed to both keep up with current growth in demand for service as well as expand the system in anticipation of future communication needs. Our group is engaged in the development of new materials for optical switching and modulation as well as optical waveguide applications. This research project involved the structure-function study of the electrochromic behaviour of dinuclear azodicarbonyl (ADC) ruthenium complexes and 1,8-naphthalimides. This understanding of the structural parameters necessary to elicit a specific wavelength or electrical potential will allow the rational design of new materials and devices with specific optoelectronic properties.; A series of ADC ruthenium complexes were synthesized and characterized using X-ray crystallography; uv-vis-NIR, NMR, and IR spectroscopy; and cyclic-voltammetry. This was followed by the study of a series of 1,8-naphthalimides, where acceptor strength of the substituent was increased systematically. The spectral and electrochemical behaviour was characterized and this data was also rationalized in terms of the Hammett parameter.; The final stage of the project was the development of ADC Ruthenium oligomers and polymers. The oligomeric complexes were essentially ADC dimers bridged by various fragments, such as phenyl, butyl, ethenyl, and ethynyl. The electronic coupling between individual ADC dinuclear fragments and the electrochromic behaviour of these oligomers and polymers were characterized.