DNA-based ionic conducting membranes

• Grant number: 08/11343-8
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: March 01, 2009
• End date: May 31, 2011
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Agnieszka Joanna Pawlicka Maule
• Grantee: Agnieszka Joanna Pawlicka Maule
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This project proposes the preparation and characterization of DNA-based ionic conducting membrane for possible use in solar cells and also electrochromic devices. To achieve the goals of this proposal the membranes will be obtained through plasticization processes of DNA with glycerol, ethylene glycol, ethylene carbonate and propylene carbonate and others and the addition of lithium salts, for example, LiClO4, LiI/I2 or acetic acid CH3COOH to promote proton conduction. The characterization of the material will be made using thermal analysis (DSC, DTA, TG), structural analysis (X-rays), spectroscopic measurements (IR, UV-Vis), surface visualization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with the chemical analysis (EDX and WDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and as the most important, ionic conducting measurements by complex impedance. Finally the best samples will be used to assemble and characterize small solar cells in collaboration with Profa. Dr. Ana Flávia Nogueira from IQ-UNICAMP. (AU)