Abstract
This thesis focuses on developing a method for the determination of quantum yields for several compounds that luminesce. The determination of quantum yields has application in many areas of study including sensors and light emitters. The experimental quantum yields for Fluorescein, [Ru(bpy)3]Cl2, Rhodamine 6G, Rhodamine B standards were found to be within two standard deviations of the literature values. Solvent effects were investigated and showed that the dielectric constant of the solvents does show a trend with most quantum yield values, in which quantum yields decrease with solvent polarity. Temperature effects were also investigated and showed a decrease in quantum yield when temperature increases. The quantum yield of a synthesized copper complex, Cu4I4py4, was found to be lower than what was reported in the literature by a factor 10 and is likely due to solvent effects. The thermochromism for Cu4I4py4 and other Cu4I4L4 complexes (L = collidine, 5-ethyl-2-methylpyridine, and lutidine) was examined and agreed with previous research. This work is important because the determination of quantum yields has application in many areas of study including the design of sensors and light emitting diodes.