The characterization of the previously reported diorganotellurium oxides R 2 TeO (R ) Ph (1) and p-MeOC 6 H 4 (2)) was revisited by osmometric molecular weight determinations, 125 Te NMR spectroscopy, and electrospray spectrometry (ESMS) in solution and by 125 Te MAS NMR spectroscopy in the solid state. The single-crystal X-ray structure of 2 revealed a polymeric arrangement that features a zigzag configured Te-O backbone without any secondary Te‚‚‚O interactions. In solution 1 and 2 exist predominantly as monomers but appear to be in equilibrium with higher oligomers to a minor extent.

Using a combination of electrochemical, spectroscopic and computational techniques, we have explored the fundamental properties of a series of ruthenium diimine complexes designed for coupling with other molecules or surfaces for electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensing applications. With appropriate choice of ligand functionality, it is possible to manipulate emission wavelengths while keeping the redox ability of the complex relatively constant. DFT calculations show that in the case of electron withdrawing substituents such as ester or amide, the excited state is located on the substituted bipyridine ligand whereas in the case of alkyl functionality it is localised on a bipyridine. The factors that dictate annihilation ECL efficiency are interrelated. For example, the same factors that determine ΔG for the annihilation reaction (i.e. the relative energies of the HOMO and LUMO) have a corresponding effect on the energy of the excited state product. As a result, most of the complexes populate the excited state with an efficiency (Φ(ex)) of close to 80% despite the relatively wide range of emission maxima. The quantum yield of emission (Φ(p)) and the possibility of competing side reactions are found to be the main determinants of ECL intensity.

Chemical surface treatment of porphyrin-sensitised titania films using bis-(4-methoxyphenyl)phosphinic acid after dye adsorption, results in large improvements in DSSC efficiencies which originate primarily from higher short circuit currents. The result was attributed to a positive shift in the TiO2 quasi-Fermi level with simultaneous retardation of charge recombination. High device performances have been achieved even using simplified electrolyte matrices devoid of the common additives, LiI and t-butylpyridine. Chemical surface treatment of porphyrin-sensitised titania films using bis-(4-methoxyphenyl)phosphinic acid after dye adsorption, results in large improvements in DSSC efficiencies which originate primarily from higher short circuit currents. The result was attributed to a positive shift in the TiO 2 quasi-Fermi level with simultaneous retardation of charge recombination. High device performances have been achieved even using simplified electrolyte matrices devoid of the common additives, LiI and t-butylpyridine.

The reaction of (p‐MeOC6H4)2TeO with two equivalents of HO3SCF3 and HO2PPh2 provided the tetraorganoditelluroxanes (F3CSO3)(p‐MeOC6H4)2TeOTe(p‐MeOC6H4)2(O3SCF3) (1) and (Ph2PO2)(p‐MeOC6H4)2TeOTe(p‐MeOC6H4)2(O2PPh2)·2 Ph2PO2H (2) in good yields. Compounds 1 and 2 were characterized by solution and solid‐state 31P and 125Te NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, electrospray mass spectrometry, conductivity measurements and single crystal X‐ray diffraction. In solution, compound 1 undergoes an electrolytic dissociation and reversibly reacts with traces of water to give the mononuclear cation [(p‐MeOC6H4)2TeOH]+ and triflate anions. Theoretical aspects of the protonation and hydration of model telluroxanes R2TeO (R = H, Me, Ph) were investigated by preliminary DFT calculations and compared to the corresponding selenoxanes R2SeO. The tellurium dihydroxides R2Te(OH)2 seem to be more stable than the hydrogen‐bonded complexes R2TeO·H2O.