Porphyrin-Based Supramolecular Assemblies and Arrays - Model Systems for the Construction of Photosynthetic Mimics

Crown ether-based multichromophoric systems will be used to mimic the steps through which plants convert light into chemical energy. The crown bridging units allow a variety of metal and organic cations, which provide electronic and structural roles, to be non-covalently bound within their cavities. These systems are advantageous over other photosynthetic models in that a variety of electron transfer mediators can be examined in a readily controlled and systematic way simply through the choice of cation. In this way, the role played by molecular recognition in the modulation of long-range electron transfer can be evaluated. This work will lead to designing better artificial solar energy converters and molecular electronic devices.