Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Organic/Inorganic/Materials Seminar
KLEMM Lecture Series

Professor Malika Jeffries-EL, Boston University
May 2, 2025· 3:00 pm, WIL 110
Hosted by Mike Haley

Design and synthesis of organic electronic materials

The past two decades have witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of consumer electronics in use. Previously, most households had a landline phone, one or two televisions, and the occasional desktop computer. These days, most people own numerous electronic devices, leading to a heightened demand for the semiconducting materials that drive this technology and the energy needed to power them. Consequently, there has been considerable interest in developing organic semiconductors, as many inorganic materials used in these devices are in limited supply. Organic semiconductors consist of either polymers or small molecules with extended pi-conjugation. These materials possess a range of exceptional electronic, optical, and thermal properties, making them well-suited for applications such as transistors, solar cells, and light-emitting diodes. However, several challenges must be addressed before practical products can be developed. Our group focuses on the design and synthesis of new organic semiconductors based on low-cost and/or easily prepared starting materials. Because the properties of organic semiconductors can be readily modified through chemical synthesis, we have shifted our focus towards the design and synthesis of novel aromatic building blocks. We have developed several new materials, including wide-band gap materials for use in organic light-emitting diodes and narrow-band gap materials for use in photovoltaic cells. Our recent work on these topics will be presented.

This lecture series recognizes outstanding research in organic chemistry or related fields. During his 50-year career at the UO, Leroy H. Klemm (1919-2003) made pioneering discoveries in organic chemistry.