Boron-modified polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with low band gaps, dynamic reactivity, and stimuli-responsive properties

The National Science Foundation Division of Chemistry awarded Rutgers, The State University (Newark Division) $650,000 on August 15, 2026, under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049) to synthesize and characterize boron-modified polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with low band gaps and stimuli-responsive properties.

Dr. Frieder Jaekle will lead synthesis of next-generation organic π-conjugated materials functionalized with boron-nitrogen Lewis pairs and investigate their fundamental physical properties and chemical reactivity. The work encompasses three research directions: modification of acenes with multiple boron-nitrogen Lewis pairs to examine effects of π-extension on electronic structure and photophysical properties; exploration of reactivity to pursue thermo- and mechanoluminescent materials; and incorporation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons into macrocycles combining emissive properties with stimuli-responsive host-guest behavior. The project will employ modern synthesis techniques, state-of-the-art characterization methods, and computational approaches. Beyond research outcomes, the award funds advanced training for undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers in an interdisciplinary environment and outreach programs with local high schools to promote interest in STEM careers and materials chemistry.

Place of performance is Newark, New Jersey. The period of performance runs from the award date through July 31, 2029.

Abstract

DR. Frieder jaekle of rutgers university - newark will synthesize next-generation organic ?-conjugated materials that are endowed with boron-nitrogen lewis pairs (LPS) and study their fundamental physical properties and chemical reactivity. Organic ?-conjugated materials are of prominent interest as semiconductors for use in organic electronics, sensing, imaging, sensory, and stimulus-responsive materials. Because of its electron-deficient character, tricoordinate boron acts as an electron pair acceptor when combined with amines, generating B-N LPS. By functionalizing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHS) with B-N LPS, their electronic structure and optical properties can be judiciously altered. The new fundamental insights gleaned will guide future applications of these boron-doped organic semiconductors. The project will also prepare undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers for the workforce by providing advanced training in a highly interdisciplinary, collaborative research environment encompassing modern synthesis, state-of-the-art characterization techniques, and computational approaches. In addition, outreach programs with local high schools focused on state-of-the-art materials chemistry will be organized to promote interest in stem careers. The overarching goal of this project is to develop ?-conjugated materials based on acenes that are functionalized with B-N lewis pairs (LPS). In one direction, acenes are modified with multiple B-N lewis pairs, and the effects of ?-extension on the electronic structure and photophysical properties are examined in detail. A second direction explores their reactivity in pursuit of thermo- and mechanoluminescent materials. In a third direction, PAHS are incorporated into macrocycles that are expected to combine desirable emissive properties with stimuli-responsive host-guest properties. Overall, by advancing the synthesis of B-N LP-fused acenes and studying their optoelectronic properties and reactivity, new materials are anticipated to emerge with ultra-low homo-lumo gaps, absorptions/emissions reaching far into the near-infrared, stimuli-responsive behavior, and shape-shifting characteristics that enable triggered uptake and release of guest molecules. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.