A tese foca dois tópicos principais: a caracterização de filmes de TiO 2para aplicação em células solares sensibilizadas por corantes, DSCs, e a investigação das propriedades fotoquímicas e fotofísicas de complexos polipiridínicos de Re(I). Filmes mesoporosos de TiO2 foram preparados pela rota sol-gel e pelo óxido comercial P25 (Degussa) e foram caracterizados por XRD, SEM, B.E.T e XPS. Ambos os óxidos foram empregados com sucesso nas células solares, mas os filmes do óxido preparado pela rota sol-gel são mais transparentes e adequados para a aplicação em janelas inteligentes. Já as DSCs com o óxido P25 possuem maior eficiência de conversão entre 600 e 800 nm devido ao maior espalhamento de luz nessa região causado pela presença de agregados de nanopartículas no filme mesoporoso. Os substratos condutores foram tratados com soluções de TiCl4 formando uma camada de bloqueio que diminui as reações de recombinação nas DSCs. Isso provoca um aumento da eficiência do dispositivo, de 5,7 para 6,5%. Efeito similar foi observado tratandose a superfície dos filmes de TiO2 com TiCl4, o que resultou num aumento da eficiência de transporte de elétrons nos óxidos obtidos pela rotas sol-gel tanto ácida quanto básica. O TiO2 obtido pela rota básica adsorve menos corante, mas possui melhor eficiência de coleta e separação de cargas. A sobreposição dos filmes nas células solares resulta em eficiências de 5,8%. DSCs com extratos de amora, framboesa ou mirtilo foram investigadas e avaliadas pela composição dos extratos, pelos espectros eletrônicos e de ação. A radiação prolongada da célula solar com extrato de amora, que apresentou a melhor eficiência de conversão, comprovou a estabilidade do dispositivo por no mínimo 36 semanas. Os complexos polipiridínicos de Re(I) fac-[Re(CO)3(Me4phen)(trans-L)]PF6, L = stpy ou bpe, e fac-[Re(CO)3(dppz)(trans-bpe)]PF6 foram sintetizados e caracterizados quanto às suas propriedades espectrais, fotoquímicas e fotofísicas. As variações espectrais sob irradiação em 313, 334, 365 ou 404 nm são atribuídas à isomerização trans-cis do ligante coordenado. Os rendimentos quânticos reais do processo, F, foram determinados por 1H RMN em conjunto com espectrofotometria. Os complexos com trans-bpe possuem Φ independentes do comprimento de onda de irradiação com valores médios de 0,32 para o complexo com Me4phen, e 0,37 para o complexo com dppz. Já o fac- [Re(CO)3(Me4phen)(trans-stpy)]+ apresenta Φ maiores para irradiações entre 313 e 365 nm (0,59), do que em 404 nm (0,31). A dependência do comprimento de onda de irradiação indica que mais de um mecanismo de isomerização está ocorrendo no complexo com transstpy. Os fotoprodutos, cis-complexos, são luminescentes em acetonitrila a 298 K. Os complexos com Me4phen podem ser reconvertidos no isômero trans sob irradiação a 254 nm, com rendimentos quânticos de aproximadamente 0,15. O decaimento da emissão desses complexos foi investigado em diferentes meios e a diferentes temperaturas. O comportamento emissivo foi racionalizado em função da energia relativa dos estados excitados e um mecanismo para desativação foi proposto com a conversão interna do estado 3ILMe4phen para o 3MLCTRe→Me4phen envolvendo uma barreira de energia / The thesis focus on two main topics: characterization of TiO2 films for Dye-sensitized solar cells, DSCs, and investigation on photochemical and photophysical properties of Re(I) polypyridyl complexes. Mesoporous TiO2 films were prepared by sol-gel method and by commercial oxide (P25, Degussa) and were characterized by XRD, SEM, B.E.T. and XPS. Both oxides were successfully employed in solar cells. Sol-gel TiO2 films are more transparent and, therefore, adequate for application on smart windows. On the other hand, DSCs with the P25 oxide have higher conversion efficiency in 600-800 nm region, due to the light scattering caused by nanoparticle aggregates in the mesoporous film. Conductive substrates were treated with TiCl4 solutions to deposit a blocking layer that decreases recombination reactions in DSCs. The treatment enhances the efficiency of the device, from 5.7 to 6.5%. Similar effect was observed by treating the surface of TiO2 films in the same way. The improvement was attributed to the enhancement of the electron transport efficiency in TiO2 films prepared by both, acid or basic sol-gel methods. Dye adsorption on TiO2 obtained by the basic method is lower, however the oxide has higher efficiencies of charge harvesting and charge separation. The use of both films in DSCs, one over the other, results in an efficiency of 5.8%. DSCs with natural extracts of mulberry, raspberry and blueberry were investigated analyzing extract compositions, electronic and action spectra. Long term radiation of DSCs with the mulberry solar cell, which has the highest efficiency, showed the device stability at least for 36 weeks. Re(I) polypyridyl complexes, fac-[Re(CO)3(Me4phen)(trans-L)]PF6, L = stpy or bpe, and fac-[Re(CO)3(dppz)(trans-bpe)]PF6 were synthesized and characterized by their spectral, photochemical and photophysical properties. Spectral changes under 313, 334, 365 or 404 nm irradiation are attributed to the trans-to-cis isomerization of the coordinated ligand. True quantum yields of the process, Φ, were determined by 1H NMR associated to UV-vis spectroscopy. The quantum yields for fac-[Re(CO)3(Me4phen)(trans-bpe)] (Φ = 0.32) and fac- [Re(CO)3(dppz)(trans-bpe)] (F = 0.37) are irradiation wavelength independent. On the other hand, F for fac-[Re(CO)3(Me4phen)(trans-stpy)]+ are higher for 313, 334 and 365 nm irradiation (0.59), than at 404 nm irradiation (0.31). This indicates the occurrence of more than one isomerization pathway in the trans-stpy complex. The photoproducts, cis-complexes, are luminescent in acetonitrile at 298 K. The Me4phen complexes can be back converted to the trans isomers with quantum yields of 0.15 under 254 nm irradiation. The emission decay of these complexes was investigated in different media and at several temperatures. The luminescence behavior was rationalized in terms of the relative energy of excited states. A deactivation pathway is proposed considering the internal conversion of the 3ILMe4phen to the 3MLCTRe→Me4phen excited states with an energy barrier

A tese foca dois tópicos principais: a caracterização de filmes de TiO 2para aplicação em células solares sensibilizadas por corantes, DSCs, e a investigação das propriedades fotoquímicas e fotofísicas de complexos polipiridínicos de Re(I). Filmes mesoporosos de TiO2 foram preparados pela rota sol-gel e pelo óxido comercial P25 (Degussa) e foram caracterizados por XRD, SEM, B.E.T e XPS. Ambos os óxidos foram empregados com sucesso nas células solares, mas os filmes do óxido preparado pela rota sol-gel são mais transparentes e adequados para a aplicação em janelas inteligentes. Já as DSCs com o óxido P25 possuem maior eficiência de conversão entre 600 e 800 nm devido ao maior espalhamento de luz nessa região causado pela presença de agregados de nanopartículas no filme mesoporoso. Os substratos condutores foram tratados com soluções de TiCl4 formando uma camada de bloqueio que diminui as reações de recombinação nas DSCs. Isso provoca um aumento da eficiência do dispositivo, de 5,7 para 6,5%. Efeito similar foi observado tratandose a superfície dos filmes de TiO2 com TiCl4, o que resultou num aumento da eficiência de transporte de elétrons nos óxidos obtidos pela rotas sol-gel tanto ácida quanto básica. O TiO2 obtido pela rota básica adsorve menos corante, mas possui melhor eficiência de coleta e separação de cargas. A sobreposição dos filmes nas células solares resulta em eficiências de 5,8%. DSCs com extratos de amora, framboesa ou mirtilo foram investigadas e avaliadas pela composição dos extratos, pelos espectros eletrônicos e de ação. A radiação prolongada da célula solar com extrato de amora, que apresentou a melhor eficiência de conversão, comprovou a estabilidade do dispositivo por no mínimo 36 semanas. Os complexos polipiridínicos de Re(I) fac-[Re(CO)3(Me4phen)(trans-L)]PF6, L = stpy ou bpe, e fac-[Re(CO)3(dppz)(trans-bpe)]PF6 foram sintetizados e caracterizados quanto às suas propriedades espectrais, fotoquímicas e fotofísicas. As variações espectrais sob irradiação em 313, 334, 365 ou 404 nm são atribuídas à isomerização trans-cis do ligante coordenado. Os rendimentos quânticos reais do processo, F, foram determinados por 1H RMN em conjunto com espectrofotometria. Os complexos com trans-bpe possuem Φ independentes do comprimento de onda de irradiação com valores médios de 0,32 para o complexo com Me4phen, e 0,37 para o complexo com dppz. Já o fac- [Re(CO)3(Me4phen)(trans-stpy)]+ apresenta Φ maiores para irradiações entre 313 e 365 nm (0,59), do que em 404 nm (0,31). A dependência do comprimento de onda de irradiação indica que mais de um mecanismo de isomerização está ocorrendo no complexo com transstpy. Os fotoprodutos, cis-complexos, são luminescentes em acetonitrila a 298 K. Os complexos com Me4phen podem ser reconvertidos no isômero trans sob irradiação a 254 nm, com rendimentos quânticos de aproximadamente 0,15. O decaimento da emissão desses complexos foi investigado em diferentes meios e a diferentes temperaturas. O comportamento emissivo foi racionalizado em função da energia relativa dos estados excitados e um mecanismo para desativação foi proposto com a conversão interna do estado 3ILMe4phen para o 3MLCTRe→Me4phen envolvendo uma barreira de energia / The thesis focus on two main topics: characterization of TiO2 films for Dye-sensitized solar cells, DSCs, and investigation on photochemical and photophysical properties of Re(I) polypyridyl complexes. Mesoporous TiO2 films were prepared by sol-gel method and by commercial oxide (P25, Degussa) and were characterized by XRD, SEM, B.E.T. and XPS. Both oxides were successfully employed in solar cells. Sol-gel TiO2 films are more transparent and, therefore, adequate for application on smart windows. On the other hand, DSCs with the P25 oxide have higher conversion efficiency in 600-800 nm region, due to the light scattering caused by nanoparticle aggregates in the mesoporous film. Conductive substrates were treated with TiCl4 solutions to deposit a blocking layer that decreases recombination reactions in DSCs. The treatment enhances the efficiency of the device, from 5.7 to 6.5%. Similar effect was observed by treating the surface of TiO2 films in the same way. The improvement was attributed to the enhancement of the electron transport efficiency in TiO2 films prepared by both, acid or basic sol-gel methods. Dye adsorption on TiO2 obtained by the basic method is lower, however the oxide has higher efficiencies of charge harvesting and charge separation. The use of both films in DSCs, one over the other, results in an efficiency of 5.8%. DSCs with natural extracts of mulberry, raspberry and blueberry were investigated analyzing extract compositions, electronic and action spectra. Long term radiation of DSCs with the mulberry solar cell, which has the highest efficiency, showed the device stability at least for 36 weeks. Re(I) polypyridyl complexes, fac-[Re(CO)3(Me4phen)(trans-L)]PF6, L = stpy or bpe, and fac-[Re(CO)3(dppz)(trans-bpe)]PF6 were synthesized and characterized by their spectral, photochemical and photophysical properties. Spectral changes under 313, 334, 365 or 404 nm irradiation are attributed to the trans-to-cis isomerization of the coordinated ligand. True quantum yields of the process, Φ, were determined by 1H NMR associated to UV-vis spectroscopy. The quantum yields for fac-[Re(CO)3(Me4phen)(trans-bpe)] (Φ = 0.32) and fac- [Re(CO)3(dppz)(trans-bpe)] (F = 0.37) are irradiation wavelength independent. On the other hand, F for fac-[Re(CO)3(Me4phen)(trans-stpy)]+ are higher for 313, 334 and 365 nm irradiation (0.59), than at 404 nm irradiation (0.31). This indicates the occurrence of more than one isomerization pathway in the trans-stpy complex. The photoproducts, cis-complexes, are luminescent in acetonitrile at 298 K. The Me4phen complexes can be back converted to the trans isomers with quantum yields of 0.15 under 254 nm irradiation. The emission decay of these complexes was investigated in different media and at several temperatures. The luminescence behavior was rationalized in terms of the relative energy of excited states. A deactivation pathway is proposed considering the internal conversion of the 3ILMe4phen to the 3MLCTRe→Me4phen excited states with an energy barrier

Esta tese focou em três tópicos principais: caracterização de filmes compactos de TiO2 e seu comportamento em células solares sensibilizadas por corante; estudo das propriedades fotoquímicas e fotofísicas de um complexo fotoisomerizável de rênio(I); elucidação das propriedades fotofísicas e eletrônicas de complexos de irídio(III) e suas aplicações em dispositivos emissores de luz. Filmes compactos foram automontados nos fotoanodos de células solares sensibilizadas por corante (DSCs), sob o filme mesoporoso de TiO2/corante, utilizando sols de TiO2 ácidos e básicos como cátions e ânions, respectivamente. A obtenção dos sols foi realizada sob controle absoluto para resultar em propriedades morfológicas e ópticas apropriadas para filmes compactos de alta qualidade, como indicado por perfilometria e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão e varredura. As DSCs com bicamadas de TiO2 melhoraram as eficiências de conversão em até 62%. Uma investigação detalhada por parâmetros fotoeletroquímicos, IPCE, tempo de vida do elétron e espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica demonstrou que o contato entre o vidro condutor (FTO) e o TiO2 é melhorado e que a recombinação de carga no FTO/I3- é diminuída. O novo complexo fac-[Re(CO)3(Ph2phen)(trans-stpyCN)]+ foi sintetizado para apresentar o intercâmbio entre as configurações trans e cis do ligante coordenado por meio de fotoisomerizações eficientes e reversíveis. As fotólises em 313, 334, 365 e404 nm resultam em mudanças espectrais no UV-Vis e RMN atribuídas à fotoisomerização trans-cis do ligante stpyCN coordenado. O processo reverso cis-trans também foi observado com irradiação em 255 nm, com um notável rendimento quântico (&#934 = 0,16), de mesma magnitude que para o processo trans-cis (Φ = 0,38). A caracterização fotofísica e os espectros de absorção do transiente corroboraram na atribuição de um comportamento incomum para os estados excitados quasedegenerados 3ILstpyCN e 3MLCTRe→Ph2phen. Complexos heterolépticos de Ir(III) foram sintetizados e suas propriedades fotofísicas avaliadas, como rendimentos quânticos e tempos de vida de emissão, constantes radiativas e não-radiativas e coordenadas CIE. Os parâmetros fotofísicos variaram sistematicamente com variações nos substituintes retiradores ou doares de elétrons, como corroborado por cálculos TD-DFT, que mostraram uma mistura de estados excitados IL-MLCT. Três desses complexos foram utilizados na camada ativa de dispositivos emissores de luz e caracterizados optoeletronicamente por curvas de corrente-brilho-potencial e espectros eletroluminescentes. / Three main topics are discussed in this thesis: characterization of TiO2 compact films towards high-performance dye-sensitized solar cells; investigations of photophysical and photochemical processes of a Re(I) complex; photophysical elucidation of Ir(III) complexes and their application in light emitting devices. All-nano-TiO2 compact films were auto-assembled in the photoanodes of dyesensitized solar cells (DSCs), beneath the TiO2 mesoporous film, employing acid and basic nano-TiO2 sols as cations and anions, respectively. TiO2 syntheses were performed under absolute control to lead to appropriate morphological and optical properties to yield high quality compact films, as indicated by profilometry, tunning and scanning electron microscopy. DSCs with TiO2 bilayers on top of the conducting glass (FTO) improved the conversion efficiency up to 62%. A detailed study by photoelectrochemical parameters, IPCE, electron lifetime and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrates that the contact between FTO and TiO2 was improved and that the FTO/I3- charge recombination was prevented. The novel fac-[Re(CO)3(Ph2phen)(trans-stpyCN)]+ complex was synthesized to show switchable trans-cis configurations of the coordinated stpyCN ligand through efficient and reversible photoassisted isomerizations. Photolyses at 313, 334, 365 and 404 nm led to UV-Vis and NMR spectral changes ascribed to the trans-to-cis photoisomerization of the coordinated ligand. The reverse cis-to-trans process was alsoobserved at 255 nm irradiation, with a remarkable quantum yield (Φ = 0.16), in the same magnitude to the one for trans-to-cis photoprocess (Φ = 0.38). Photophysical characterization and transient absorption spectra provided insights on the light-driven trans ? cis pathways and indicated an unusual behavior for the 3ILstpyCN excited state, induced by an interplay with the quasi-degenerated 3MLCTRePh2phen state. Heteroleptic Ir(III) complexes were synthesized and phophysical properties evaluated, such as emission quantum yields and lifetimes, radiative and non-radiative constants and CIE coordinates. The photophysical parameters varied systematically with variations in electron-donating or -withdrawing substituents on the ligands, as corroborated by TD-DFT calculations that showed an IL-MLCT mixing in their emissive excited state. Three complexes were employed in the active layer of light emitting devices and had their optoeletronic properties characterized by current-brightness-voltage curves and electroluminescent spectra.

Esta tese focou em três tópicos principais: caracterização de filmes compactos de TiO2 e seu comportamento em células solares sensibilizadas por corante; estudo das propriedades fotoquímicas e fotofísicas de um complexo fotoisomerizável de rênio(I); elucidação das propriedades fotofísicas e eletrônicas de complexos de irídio(III) e suas aplicações em dispositivos emissores de luz. Filmes compactos foram automontados nos fotoanodos de células solares sensibilizadas por corante (DSCs), sob o filme mesoporoso de TiO2/corante, utilizando sols de TiO2 ácidos e básicos como cátions e ânions, respectivamente. A obtenção dos sols foi realizada sob controle absoluto para resultar em propriedades morfológicas e ópticas apropriadas para filmes compactos de alta qualidade, como indicado por perfilometria e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão e varredura. As DSCs com bicamadas de TiO2 melhoraram as eficiências de conversão em até 62%. Uma investigação detalhada por parâmetros fotoeletroquímicos, IPCE, tempo de vida do elétron e espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica demonstrou que o contato entre o vidro condutor (FTO) e o TiO2 é melhorado e que a recombinação de carga no FTO/I3- é diminuída. O novo complexo fac-[Re(CO)3(Ph2phen)(trans-stpyCN)]+ foi sintetizado para apresentar o intercâmbio entre as configurações trans e cis do ligante coordenado por meio de fotoisomerizações eficientes e reversíveis. As fotólises em 313, 334, 365 e404 nm resultam em mudanças espectrais no UV-Vis e RMN atribuídas à fotoisomerização trans-cis do ligante stpyCN coordenado. O processo reverso cis-trans também foi observado com irradiação em 255 nm, com um notável rendimento quântico (&#934 = 0,16), de mesma magnitude que para o processo trans-cis (Φ = 0,38). A caracterização fotofísica e os espectros de absorção do transiente corroboraram na atribuição de um comportamento incomum para os estados excitados quasedegenerados 3ILstpyCN e 3MLCTRe→Ph2phen. Complexos heterolépticos de Ir(III) foram sintetizados e suas propriedades fotofísicas avaliadas, como rendimentos quânticos e tempos de vida de emissão, constantes radiativas e não-radiativas e coordenadas CIE. Os parâmetros fotofísicos variaram sistematicamente com variações nos substituintes retiradores ou doares de elétrons, como corroborado por cálculos TD-DFT, que mostraram uma mistura de estados excitados IL-MLCT. Três desses complexos foram utilizados na camada ativa de dispositivos emissores de luz e caracterizados optoeletronicamente por curvas de corrente-brilho-potencial e espectros eletroluminescentes. / Three main topics are discussed in this thesis: characterization of TiO2 compact films towards high-performance dye-sensitized solar cells; investigations of photophysical and photochemical processes of a Re(I) complex; photophysical elucidation of Ir(III) complexes and their application in light emitting devices. All-nano-TiO2 compact films were auto-assembled in the photoanodes of dyesensitized solar cells (DSCs), beneath the TiO2 mesoporous film, employing acid and basic nano-TiO2 sols as cations and anions, respectively. TiO2 syntheses were performed under absolute control to lead to appropriate morphological and optical properties to yield high quality compact films, as indicated by profilometry, tunning and scanning electron microscopy. DSCs with TiO2 bilayers on top of the conducting glass (FTO) improved the conversion efficiency up to 62%. A detailed study by photoelectrochemical parameters, IPCE, electron lifetime and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrates that the contact between FTO and TiO2 was improved and that the FTO/I3- charge recombination was prevented. The novel fac-[Re(CO)3(Ph2phen)(trans-stpyCN)]+ complex was synthesized to show switchable trans-cis configurations of the coordinated stpyCN ligand through efficient and reversible photoassisted isomerizations. Photolyses at 313, 334, 365 and 404 nm led to UV-Vis and NMR spectral changes ascribed to the trans-to-cis photoisomerization of the coordinated ligand. The reverse cis-to-trans process was alsoobserved at 255 nm irradiation, with a remarkable quantum yield (Φ = 0.16), in the same magnitude to the one for trans-to-cis photoprocess (Φ = 0.38). Photophysical characterization and transient absorption spectra provided insights on the light-driven trans ? cis pathways and indicated an unusual behavior for the 3ILstpyCN excited state, induced by an interplay with the quasi-degenerated 3MLCTRePh2phen state. Heteroleptic Ir(III) complexes were synthesized and phophysical properties evaluated, such as emission quantum yields and lifetimes, radiative and non-radiative constants and CIE coordinates. The photophysical parameters varied systematically with variations in electron-donating or -withdrawing substituents on the ligands, as corroborated by TD-DFT calculations that showed an IL-MLCT mixing in their emissive excited state. Three complexes were employed in the active layer of light emitting devices and had their optoeletronic properties characterized by current-brightness-voltage curves and electroluminescent spectra.

Dans un contexte où l’approvisionnement énergétique mondial du 21e siècle est un enjeu majeur, le développement de sources d’énergie renouvelables suscite l’attention croissante de la communauté scientifique et industrielle. L’énergie solaire est définitivement l’une des meilleures alternatives aux combustibles fossiles en tant que source d’énergie du monde de demain. Ce mémoire traite donc du développement de nouveaux matériaux organométalliques pour des applications de photorécoltage d’énergie en photovoltaïque et en production d’hydrogène. Le premier chapitre présente la synthèse assistée par microondes de quatre nouveaux complexes de Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) et Zn(II) basés sur le ligand tétra-p-méthoxyphényl-azadipyrrométhène (ADPM) avec des rendements variant de 89% à quantitatif. Ces complexes sont mis en relation avec d’autres complexes homoleptiques connus portant le tétraphényl-ADPM comme ligand ainsi qu’avec leurs chélates de BF2+ pour une meilleure compréhension des tendances engendrées par la substitution de l’agent coordonnant et/ou des substituants p-méthoxy. Pour ce faire, le comportement électrochimique et photophysique est présenté. De façon générale, la présence des quatre groupements p-méthoxy semble rendre les dérivés de cet ADPM plus susceptibles à la dégradation électrochimique en conditions d’oxydation et induire un déplacement bathochromique des propriétés optiques d’absorption et d’émission. Les structures rayons X du ligand tétra-p-méthoxyphényl-ADPM et de son complexe homoleptique de Co(II) sont aussi discutées. Cette étude a été effectuée dans l’espoir de fournir des informations utiles sur la stabilité des ADPM aux chercheurs du domaine photovoltaïque en quête de nouveaux chromophores dans le proche infrarouge (NIR). Le deuxième chapitre présente quant à lui les propriétés de senseur envers les anions F-, OAc- et H2PO4- de deux nouveaux complexes neutres de Re(I) de type mono- et dinucléaire basés sur une phénanthroline substituée en position 5 contenant un récepteur thio-urée. Ces composés ont été obtenus dans des rendements de 81% et 60%, respectivement. L’effet de la formation de ponts hydrogène lors de l’ajout d’anions versus la déprotonation du récepteur a été évalué par des titrations UV/Vis et RMN 1H et semble indiquer que la formation de la base conjuguée du récepteur est favorisée pour ce type de système. De plus, la structure rayons X d’un des précurseurs est présentée et permet une discussion sur la chiralité des complexes mono- et dinucléaire obtenus. L’obtention d’un complexe bimétallique par autoassemblage ouvre la voie à la préparation d’antennes moléculaires pour des systèmes de photosynthèse artificielle. / The world's energy supply is rapidly becoming the major issue of the 21st century. Instead of the status quo approach of finding and extracting more hydrocarbons from the ground, the development of renewable energy sources is attracting much interest from both the scientific and industrial communities. Solar energy is definitively one of the best sources to power the World of tomorrow. In such a framework, this dissertation discusses the development of new organometallic materials able to harvest solar energy for photovoltaic or H2 photoproduction applications. The first chapter presents the synthesis by a microwaves-assisted methodology of four new homoleptic complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) based on the tetra-p-methoxyphenyl-azadipyrromethene (ADPM) ligand in yields ranging from 89% to quantitative. Those complexes are put in relation with already known ADPM homoleptic complexes of the same M(II) series and related BF2+ chelates (Aza-BODIPY) for a better understanding of trends arising from substitution of the chelate and/or electron-donating effect of the p-methoxy substituents. This is achieved by the study of electrochemical behavior of the compounds and their photophysical properties. From a general point of view, the presence of the four p-methoxy substituents leads to an electrochemical decomposition of the derivatives based on that ADPM in oxidative conditions, along with a bathochromic shift of the optical properties. X-Ray structures for the tetra-p-methoxyphenyl-ADPM ligand and related Co(II) complex are also discussed. Hopefully, this study will provide useful insights to researchers on the substituents to install for stable ADPM derivatives in their quest for NIR chromophores utilizable for photovoltaic application. The second chapter report anion sensing properties toward F-, OAc- and H2PO4- of new neutral mononuclear and dinuclear Re(I) complexes based on a 5-substituted phenanthroline moiety bearing a thiourea hydrogen-bonding receptor. Those complexes were obtained in 81% and 60% yields, respectively. The effect of hydrogen-bonding versus deprotonation of the thiourea receptor upon addition of the anions was also evaluated by UV/vis and 1H NMR titration techniques. Observations made support the hypothesis that formation of the conjugated base of the receptor is favored. In addition, an X-ray structure of the Re(I) precursor complex is reported and the chirality of the mononuclear and dinuclear complexes is discussed. Achievement of a bimetallic complex by self-assembly paves the way for the preparation of light-harvesting molecular antennae utilizable in artificial photosynthesis systems.

Dans un contexte où l’approvisionnement énergétique mondial du 21e siècle est un enjeu majeur, le développement de sources d’énergie renouvelables suscite l’attention croissante de la communauté scientifique et industrielle. L’énergie solaire est définitivement l’une des meilleures alternatives aux combustibles fossiles en tant que source d’énergie du monde de demain. Ce mémoire traite donc du développement de nouveaux matériaux organométalliques pour des applications de photorécoltage d’énergie en photovoltaïque et en production d’hydrogène. Le premier chapitre présente la synthèse assistée par microondes de quatre nouveaux complexes de Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) et Zn(II) basés sur le ligand tétra-p-méthoxyphényl-azadipyrrométhène (ADPM) avec des rendements variant de 89% à quantitatif. Ces complexes sont mis en relation avec d’autres complexes homoleptiques connus portant le tétraphényl-ADPM comme ligand ainsi qu’avec leurs chélates de BF2+ pour une meilleure compréhension des tendances engendrées par la substitution de l’agent coordonnant et/ou des substituants p-méthoxy. Pour ce faire, le comportement électrochimique et photophysique est présenté. De façon générale, la présence des quatre groupements p-méthoxy semble rendre les dérivés de cet ADPM plus susceptibles à la dégradation électrochimique en conditions d’oxydation et induire un déplacement bathochromique des propriétés optiques d’absorption et d’émission. Les structures rayons X du ligand tétra-p-méthoxyphényl-ADPM et de son complexe homoleptique de Co(II) sont aussi discutées. Cette étude a été effectuée dans l’espoir de fournir des informations utiles sur la stabilité des ADPM aux chercheurs du domaine photovoltaïque en quête de nouveaux chromophores dans le proche infrarouge (NIR). Le deuxième chapitre présente quant à lui les propriétés de senseur envers les anions F-, OAc- et H2PO4- de deux nouveaux complexes neutres de Re(I) de type mono- et dinucléaire basés sur une phénanthroline substituée en position 5 contenant un récepteur thio-urée. Ces composés ont été obtenus dans des rendements de 81% et 60%, respectivement. L’effet de la formation de ponts hydrogène lors de l’ajout d’anions versus la déprotonation du récepteur a été évalué par des titrations UV/Vis et RMN 1H et semble indiquer que la formation de la base conjuguée du récepteur est favorisée pour ce type de système. De plus, la structure rayons X d’un des précurseurs est présentée et permet une discussion sur la chiralité des complexes mono- et dinucléaire obtenus. L’obtention d’un complexe bimétallique par autoassemblage ouvre la voie à la préparation d’antennes moléculaires pour des systèmes de photosynthèse artificielle. / The world's energy supply is rapidly becoming the major issue of the 21st century. Instead of the status quo approach of finding and extracting more hydrocarbons from the ground, the development of renewable energy sources is attracting much interest from both the scientific and industrial communities. Solar energy is definitively one of the best sources to power the World of tomorrow. In such a framework, this dissertation discusses the development of new organometallic materials able to harvest solar energy for photovoltaic or H2 photoproduction applications. The first chapter presents the synthesis by a microwaves-assisted methodology of four new homoleptic complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) based on the tetra-p-methoxyphenyl-azadipyrromethene (ADPM) ligand in yields ranging from 89% to quantitative. Those complexes are put in relation with already known ADPM homoleptic complexes of the same M(II) series and related BF2+ chelates (Aza-BODIPY) for a better understanding of trends arising from substitution of the chelate and/or electron-donating effect of the p-methoxy substituents. This is achieved by the study of electrochemical behavior of the compounds and their photophysical properties. From a general point of view, the presence of the four p-methoxy substituents leads to an electrochemical decomposition of the derivatives based on that ADPM in oxidative conditions, along with a bathochromic shift of the optical properties. X-Ray structures for the tetra-p-methoxyphenyl-ADPM ligand and related Co(II) complex are also discussed. Hopefully, this study will provide useful insights to researchers on the substituents to install for stable ADPM derivatives in their quest for NIR chromophores utilizable for photovoltaic application. The second chapter report anion sensing properties toward F-, OAc- and H2PO4- of new neutral mononuclear and dinuclear Re(I) complexes based on a 5-substituted phenanthroline moiety bearing a thiourea hydrogen-bonding receptor. Those complexes were obtained in 81% and 60% yields, respectively. The effect of hydrogen-bonding versus deprotonation of the thiourea receptor upon addition of the anions was also evaluated by UV/vis and 1H NMR titration techniques. Observations made support the hypothesis that formation of the conjugated base of the receptor is favored. In addition, an X-ray structure of the Re(I) precursor complex is reported and the chirality of the mononuclear and dinuclear complexes is discussed. Achievement of a bimetallic complex by self-assembly paves the way for the preparation of light-harvesting molecular antennae utilizable in artificial photosynthesis systems.