Luminescent materials find numerous applications in recent times and have enriched human lives in several different ways. From display and lighting technologies to security, sensing and biological investigations, luminescent organic compounds have become indispensible and often preferred over their inorganic counterparts. The versatility of organic materials arises from their comparative low costs, ease of fine-tuning, low toxicity and the possibility to develop flexible devices. Even until very recent times, the investigations and usage of organic luminescent materials were mostly limited to solution-state properties. However, with progress of available characterisation techniques and parallel development of their usage in solid-state devices and other applications (e.g. security, forensics, sensing etc.), significantly greater attention has been paid to the development and investigations of solid-state emissive organic materials. In solid-state applications, apart from the molecular properties of any given material, their cumulative i.e. bulk physical properties are of even greater importance. Thus, investigations of structure-property relationships in organic luminescent compounds to understand their molecular and bulk properties are of fundamental interest. In this thesis, NPI (1,8-naphthalimide) and BODIPY (boron-dipyrromethene) dyes were investigated to provide a broad overview of their structure-property correlations. Among commonly encountered organic luminescent materials, NPIs and BODIPYs have emerged as two broad classes of luminescent organic compounds, finding applications as functional luminescent materials in various fields. However, lack of understanding for controlling the cumulative emissive properties of these compounds has limited their usage as active solid-state emitters in various applications. This thesis presents several new insights into the molecular and bulk emissive properties of these two classes of luminescent dyes (NPIs and BODIPYs). The contents of the six chapters contained in this thesis are summarised below. Chapter 1 summarises the available understanding of the basic concepts of photoluminescence and the design strategies to develop solid-state luminescent and AIE (aggregation-induced emission) active materials. This chapter also emphasises in the basic nature of the NPI and BODIPY compounds, their substitution patterns and their inherent characteristics and touches upon the relatively unexplored properties of NPI and BODIPY based materials. The importance and scope of the work reported in the thesis is outlined at the end of the chapter. Chapter 2 describes a detailed investigation of a series of seven (4-oxoaryl substituted) NPI compounds (1-7) providing an insight into the molecular and cumulative photophysical behaviour of these compounds. The low ICT characteristics of the NPIs, coupled with the twisted geometry, facilitated solid-state luminescence in these materials. The solution and solid-state luminescent properties of these compounds can be directly correlated to their structural rigidity, nature of substituents and solid-state intermolecular interactions (e.g. π-π stacking, C-H•••O interactions etc.). The solid-state crystal structures of the NPI siblings are profoundly affected by the pendant substituents. All of the NPIs (1-7) show antiparallel dimeric π-π stacking interactions in the solid-state which can further extend in parallel, alternate, orthogonal or lateral fashion depending on the steric and electronic nature of the C-4′ substituents. Structural investigations including Hirsfeld surface analysis methods reveal that while strongly interacting systems show weak to moderate emission in their condensed states, weakly interacting systems show strong emission yields under the same conditions. The nature of packing and extended structures also affects the emission colors of the NPIs in the solid-state. DFT computational studies were utilized to understand the molecular and cumulative electronic behavior of the NPIs. Apart from the investigation of solid-state luminescence, other functional potentials of these NPIs were also explored. One of the compounds (i.e. 4) shows chemodosimetric response towards aqueous Hg(II) species with a ‘turn-on’ response. Also, depending on the molecular flexibility of the compounds, promising AIEE (aggregation-induced emission enhancement) features were observed in these NPIs. Later (in Chapter 3), we developed a systematic investigation in a series of purely organic NPIs, restricting various parameters, to attain a thorough understanding of such AIEE properties. Chapter 3 describes a detailed experimental and computational study in order gain an insight into the AIE (aggregation-induced emission) and AIEE mechanisms in NPI compounds. Systematic structural perturbation was used to fine tune the luminescence properties of three new 1,8-naphthalimides (8-10) in solution and as aggregates. The NPIs (8-10) show blue emission in solution state and the fluorescence quantum yields depend on their molecular rigidity. In concentrated solutions of the NPIs, intermolecular interactions were found to result in quenching of fluorescence. In contrast, upon aggregation (in THF:H2O mixtures), two of the NPIs show aggregation-induced-emission-enhancement (AIEE). The NPIs also show moderately high solid-state emission quantum yields (~10-12.7 %). The AIEE behaviors of the NPIs depend on their molecular rigidity and nature of intermolecular interactions. The NPIs (8-10) show different extents of intermolecular (π-π and C-H•••O) interactions in their solid-state structures depending on their substituents. Detailed photophysical, computational and structural investigations suggest that only an optimal balance of structural flexibility and intermolecular communication is the effective recipe for achieving AIEE characteristics in these NPIs. Chapter 4 presents the design, synthesis and detailed investigations and potential applications of a series of NPI-BODIPY dyads (11-13). The NPI and BODIPY moieties in these dyads are electronically separated by oxoaryl bridges and the compounds only differ structurally with respect to methyl substitutions on the BODIPY fluorophore. The NPI and BODIPY moieties retain their optical features in these molecular dyads (11- 13). Dyads 11-13 show dual emission in solution state originating from the two separate fluorescent units. The variations of the dual emission in these compounds are controlled by the structural flexibility of the systems. The dyads also show significant AIES (Aggregation-Induced-Emission Switching) features upon formation of nano-aggregates in THF-H2O mixtures with visual changes in emission from green to red color. Whereas the flexible and aggregation prone system (i.e. compound 11) shows aggregation-induced enhancement of emission, rigid systems with less favorable intermolecular interactions (i.e. compound 12-13) show aggregation-induced quenching of emission. The emission-intensity vs. the structural-flexibility correlations were found to be reverse in solution and aggregated states. Photophysical and structural investigations suggest that the intermolecular interactions (e.g. π-π stacking etc.) play major role in controlling emission of these compounds in aggregated states. Similar trends were also observed in the solid-state luminescence of these compounds. The applications of the luminescent dyads 11-13 as live-cell imaging dyes was also investigated. Chapter 5 describes investigations of photophysical properties of a series of six BODIPY dyes (14-19) in which there is a systematic alteration of a common -C6H4Si(CH3)3 substituent. Inrelated constitutional isomers, the systematic increment of steric congestion and lowering of molecular symmetry around the BODIPY core result in a steady increment of solution and solid- state fluorescence quantum yields. The increasing fluorescence quantum yields (solution, solid state) with increasing steric congestions show that the molecular free rotation and aggregation-induced fluorescence quenching of BODIPYs can be successfully suppressed by lowering the flexibility of the molecules. Photophysical and DFT investigations reveal that the electronic band gap in any set of these constitutional isomers remain almost similar. However, the crystal structures of the compounds reveal that the solid-state colour and quantum yields of the compounds in solid-state are also related to the nature of intermolecular interactions. Chapter 6 demonstrates the use of DFT computational methods to understand the effect of alkyl groups in governing the basic structural and electronic aspects of BODIPY dyes. As demonstrated in Chapter 4 and Chapter 5, apparently electronically inactive alkyl groups can be of immense importance to control the overall photophysics of BODIPYs. In this context, a systematic strategy su was utilized considering all possible outcomes of constitutionally-isomeric molecules to understand the effects of alkyl groups on the BODIPY molecules. Four different computational methods were employed to ascertain the unanimity of the observed trends associated with the molecular properties. In line with experimental observations, it was found that alkyl substituents in BODIPY dyes situated at 3/5-positions effectively participate in stabilization as well as planarization of such molecules. Screening of all the possible isomeric molecular systems was used to understand the individual properties and overall effects of the typical alkyl substituents in controlling several basic properties of such BODIPY molecules.

This work investigates the correlation of structural and photovoltaic properties of dyes used in dye-sensitized solar cells. Experimental methods, including ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy are employed to study optical and electrochemical properties of dye molecules. Computational methods, including density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory, are used to validate and predict the optical and electronic properties of dye molecules, in their isolated state and once embedded into a working electrode device environment that comprises a dye...TiO2 interface. The results chapters begin with the presentation of a series of quinodimethene dyes that are experimentally validated for their photovoltaic application, and associated computational studies reveal that an inner structural factor - a phenyl ring rotation occurring during the optical excitation process - leads to the competitive photovoltaic device performance of these dyes. Carbazole-based dyes are then systematically studied by computation, especially considering charge transfer paths and binding modes of these dyes on a titania surface. The theoretical models for the basic building block of this chemical family of dyes, known as MK-44, successfully support and explain structural discoveries from X-ray diffraction and reflectometry that impact of their function. A benzothiadiazole-based dye, RK-1, is then systematically studied by both experimental and computational methods, and the results show that the π-bridge composed of thiophene, benzothiadiazole and benzene rings leads to excellent charge separation; and the rotation of these rings during the optical excitation process may well be consistent with the fluorescence spectrum. Finally, the well-known ruthenium-based dyes are theoretically studied to determine the properties of different ligands connected to the metal core of the complex. Conformations with different NCS ligands are calculated in terms of energy and explain well the corresponding results from X-ray diffraction. Acid-base properties of carboxyl groups connected to pyridine ligands in N3 and N749 are theoretically calculated based on thermodynamics and density functional theory. Implicit and explicit models are both adopted to predict these acid dissociative constant values, which are generally in a good agreement with the reported experimental data. The thesis concludes with conclusions and a future outlook.

This diploma thesis is focused on the study of the influence of advanced oxidation processes on degradation of organic dyes. The field of AOP – very effective physically-chemical methods of wastewater treatment – includes application of strong oxidation agents, UV and ionizing radiation and electrical discharges. For this thesis, two of these methods were chosen – the application of oxidation agent (ozone) and UV radiation. Along with electrolysis, which is mentioned rather marginally in this thesis (it is the subject of the previous thesis), these phenomena are products of electrical discharge in water, where they participate in the processes of degradation in a different way. For all measurement series, two direct azo dyes were chosen as model substances – C.I. Direct Blue 106 and C.I. Direct Red 79. The ozonizer, in which either oxygen or synthetic or technical air were loaded as carrier gases, was used for degradation of dyes by ozone. The generated ozone was loaded into the bubbling vessel with dye solution of different initial concentration (10–130 mg.dm-3), which was followed by other bubbling vessel with KI solution for the next analytical determination of the amount of generated ozone. The other parameters changed were the gas flow (1–2 dm3.min-1), ozonizer output (minimal and maximal), type of dye, pH value of the solution (neutral or acid) and additional electrolyte (NaCl, Na2SO4 or any). The reactor for the study of the influence of UV radiation on degradation of dyes was an UV sterilizer into which the equivalent volume of dye solution was added. The possibilities of experimental settings were limited and only the type of dye, an additional electrolyte and pH value of the dye solution were adjusted (as in the case of ozone). Several series of samples were measured with various input conditions which more or less influenced the degradation of investigated dyes in this experiment. It was found that for both used methods the Direct Blue 106 dye was more degradable (with significantly better results for ozone than for UV radiation). The degradation of Direct Red 79 dye proceeded only by ozone treatment, in the case of the application of UV radiation no degradation occurred. By investigation of the influence of initial concentration of dye on its degradation, it was confirmed that with the initial concentration enhancement the final concentration rises as well, whereas in low concentrations (10–50 mg.dm-3) the initial concentration has no effect. The addition of an electrolyte had an accelerating effect on dye degradation in both methods (NaCl and also Na2SO4 showed similar results though the degradation proceeded in different ways). The addition of HCl accelerated the degradation only in the case of UV radiation; during the application of ozone the pH level of the system did not have any influence on the degradation. Oxygen and synthetic air had the strongest effect on ozone degradation (comparable results); in the case of technical air the final dye concentration was higher up to 30 %. The gas flow of 1.5 dm3.min-1 was stated as optimal with the ozonizer output 30 W (maximal). At minimal power the ozonizer produced very low amount of ozone.

This Diploma thesis is focused on physical and chemical effects which contribute to the decomposition of organic dyes by diaphragm discharge generated in water solutions. Due to the application of DC high voltage source in continuous regime, there is an effect of electrolysis contributing to the dye decomposition by diaphragm discharge. The aim of this work was to find out when the electrolysis is running (or when is the moment of discharge breakdown) and which factors influence the breakdown. The other goal was decomposition of selected textile and food organic dyes by electrolysis itself. In the theoretical part, theory about creation of electrical discharges in aqueous solutions is noted and various types of underwater discharges are described. Background researches about underwater electrical discharges used in the world are mentioned as well as the use of diaphragm discharges and various ways how to remove organic dyes from wastewater. Finally, theories of electrolysis, UV-VIS spectroscopy and basis of other analytical methods useful for detection of organic molecules are described. Experimental part is oriented to experiment procedure which was carried out in a reactor with separated electrode areas. Separation was made by dielectric diaphragm with a pinhole in the centre. Its initial diameter was 0.4 mm. Used chemicals and course of experiments are described in this part, too. First, the breakdown moment in the reactor was investigated (i. e. determination, when only electrolysis was operating) by formation of hydrogen peroxide and measurement of dynamic (time resolved) electrical characteristics. Next, decomposition of selected dyes by electrolysis was carried out. As the decomposition was related to decolorization of the solution, UV-VIS spectroscopy in the range of 350–700 nm was used for determination of dye concentration. Next part focused on results presents various factors which had an effect on breakdown of diaphragm discharge. These factors are kind of used electrolyte, initial conductivity of solution, kind of dye, temperature of solution and type of reactor (or solution volume). From the result, the most important factor is initial solution conductivity. After the determination of the breakdown moment, the electrolysis of organic dyes was performed. The applied current was 10 mA, initial conductivity was 500 µS/cm and used electrolyte was NaCl. Moreover comparison of dye decomposition in dependence on the different applied power was realized. From this comparison one can assume, there is no significant contribution of electrolysis (the efficiency is approximately 15 %) to the diaphragm discharge in aqueous solution.