Leonel Griego
Major: Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
Faculty: Dr. Skye Fortier
Project Title: Super Bulky Guanidinates for the Synthesis of Molecular Titanium Nitrides as Well-Defined Precursors for Titanium Nitride Semiconducting Thin Films
Project Description: Owing to their low production costs, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) are a tantalizing alternative to silicon-based solar cells. However, a notable downside to DSCs is that they usually include a counter electrode made from platinum, which increases cost and makes large-scale production more complicated. An alternative to the platinum counter electrode is the use of titanium nitride (TiN), which is a material that functions similarly due to the high electrical conductivity, chemical inertness, and durability. The low cost of TiN makes this compound an enticing alternative, but its production is a complicated process that requires harsh conditions. In the Fortier group, we are seeking a route to the low-temperature synthesis of TiN. We intend to do so by first synthesizing well-defined TiN molecular precursors supported by ‘super bulky’ ligands. ‘Super bulky’ ligands are needed to trap and stabilize the otherwise reactive TiN fragment.
Publicatons:
- Arnab K. Maity, Skye Fortier, Leonel Griego, and Alejandro J. Metta-Magaña, “Synthesis of a “Super Bulky” Guanidinate Possessing an Expandable Coordination Pocket”, Inorg. Chem., 53, 8155-8164, 2014 (DOI: 10.1021/ic501219q).