Photochromic Dihydropyrenes for Molecular Electronics

This project aims to synthesise and characterise a library of novel photochromic compounds, specifically from the dihydropyrene family, that have potential applications in the larger field of molecular electronics. The employment of dihydropyrene compounds seeks to realise the development of molecular scale electronic devices including switches and wires. Firstly, a greater command and understanding over the switching process that will elucidate the potential for application of dihydropyrenes as molecular switches. Secondly, an efficient molecular junction will be developed that can facilitate efficient charge transport and probe the viability of these compounds to function as molecular components of an electronic circuit.