# CAS: Symmetry breaking charge separation in far-red and near-infrared capturing chromophores: Minimizing the energy loss in the process of charge separation

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of North Texas (TX) · $550,000

## Abstract

With support from the Chemical Structure and Dynamics (CSD) program in the Division of Chemistry, Professor Francis D’Souza of the University of North Texas, Denton, TX, is building wide-band capturing chromophore dimers that can form excitonic states upon photo-illumination and undergo symmetry-breaking charge separation (SB-CS). Comprehending photoexcited charge transfer in molecular assemblies is of paramount interest as it directly relates to the process of light energy to chemical energy conversion, with direct applications in photocatalysis and building optoelectronic devices. By performing systematic experimental and theoretical studies, Professor D’Souza and his students will address the unanswered questions regarding the interplay between exciton dynamics and SB-CS, and the role of the molecular structure and geometry and solvent surroundings in governing these events. Achieving a strong visible-near-infrared spectral response in these highly absorptive dimers will be transformative to building high-efficiency devices while providing an excellent training platform for graduate and undergraduate students to help strengthen teaching, mentoring, and leadership skills. 

Photoinduced SB-CS is a process where a symmetrical pair of identical chromophores forms a charge-separated excited state with the hole and electron on different chromophores, and molecular systems exhibiting such a property are highly sought after owing to the minimal energy loss during the charge-sep

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2514911
- **Awardee organization:** University of North Texas (TX)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** G47WN1XZNWX9
- **PI:** Francis D'Souza
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** CAS-Critical Aspects of Sustainability, SusChEM
- **Estimated total:** $550,000
- **Funds obligated:** $550,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2514911

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2514911, CAS: Symmetry breaking charge separation in far-red and near-infrared capturing chromophores: Minimizing the energy loss in the process of charge separation. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2514911. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NSF Awards dataset](/datasets/nsf-awards) · CC0 1.0*