FLUORINATED EMITTER MOLECULES FOR TRIPLET-TRIPLET ANNIHILATION UP-CONVERSION MEDIA

This thesis details the synthesis, characterisation and photophysical properties of various fluorinated emitters for triplet-triplet annhilation up-conversion systems. The theory and mechanism of TTAUC is evaluated and the molecular design of the annihilating emitter molecule reviewed to allow improvement of the external up-conversion quantum yield and overall energy efficiency of the process. Three main series of chromaphores were investigated, based on diphenylanthracenes, bisphenylperylenes, and 3,5,8-triphenylBODIPYs. These were synthesised by metal catalysed aryl-aryl coupling (Suzuki-Miyaura) or nucleophilic substitution reactions and, when paired with appropriate sensitizing molecules, allowed the up-conversion of green to blue; red to green; and near IR/red to orange respectively. The effect of increasing fluorination on the ease of synthesis and photophysical properties of these emitter systems was studied with a view to their application in up-conversion systems. Fluorinated emitter molecules were shown to be highly resistant to degradation by UV light compared to their non-fluorinated analogues. The up-conversion ability of these systems was evaluated and novel fluorinated BODIPY based dyes were produced that have high fluorescence quantum yields of over 90%. Finally the up-conversion of up-converting nanoparticles incorporating fluorinated emitters was evaluated.