Russell Makopa | 2026 I.S. Symposium
狈补尘别:听Russell Makopa
Title: Design and Synthesis of Carbazole and Quinoxaline-based Metal-free Organic Sensitizers for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs)
Major: Chemistry
Minor: Computer Science
Advisor: Mostafa Abdelaziz
Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are an emerging type of solar technology that offer a low- cost and flexible alternative to traditional silicon-based panels. Instead of relying on rigid materials, DSSCs use light- absorbing molecules (called dyes) to capture solar energy and convert it into electricity. This project focuses on designing a new organic dye that improves how efficiently these solar cells work. What makes this research exciting is the ability to 鈥渢une鈥 the molecular structure- much like engineering a machine at the atomic level- to enhance how light is absorbed and how electrons move through the system. The molecule developed in this project combines several functional components: a donor region that pushes electrons, a system of linkers that allows charge to flow smoothly, and acceptor regions that pull electrons toward a semiconductor surface. Together, this design is intended to increase energy conversion efficiency while reducing energy loss. Laboratory work includes synthesizing the molecule and analyzing its structure and behavior using spectroscopic techniques and computational modeling. One of the most interesting findings is how molecular geometry-specifically slight twisting between components-can impact electron transfer and overall device performance. This highlights the importance of structural alignment in designing efficient solar materials. Looking forward, this research could contribute to the development of more affordable and efficient solar technologies. Future work may involve testing the dye in working solar cells and modifying its structure further to optimize performance for real-world energy applications.
Posted in Symposium 2026 on May 1, 2026.
