Modarelli Research Group

In our group we are synthesizing and studying the properties of self-assembled molecules, generally containing porphyrins, metal-terpyridines and naphthalene diimides (NDIs), designed to absorb light and convert that can subsequently be converted into energy.

A second major area of interest to us is the synthesis and spectroscopy of porphyrins and porphyrin analogs. In particular, we are interested in preparing unusual porphyrins, understanding their electronic properties (i.e., isomerization/equilibria in the ground and excited states), and excited state dynamics. We also incorporate these molecules as building blocks into larger assemblies we hope will further the development of photovoltaic materials.