Amanda Garnica
Major: Bachelor of Science in Economics (Earned)
Bachelor of Science in Physics
Faculty: Dr. Tunna Baruah
Project Title: Electronic Structure of Dye-Attached Fullerenes
Project Description: We are studying the C60 molecule functionalized with two dye molecules: DPP and TBTDT for use in organic photovoltaics. Using density functional theory we optimized the structures of the C60-DPP and C60-TBTDT molecules. The project focuses on how the electronic structure of C60 changes upon functionalization with the dye molecules. We are also interested in charge transfer excited state calculations to understand where the charge transfer is likely to take place and how much energy it takes. These molecules will then be paired with organic photovoltaic donor complexes such as P3HT to try an model the charge transfer process that would take place in the photovoltaic examining different orientations and distances.