Photosensitization of wide bandgap semiconductors with antenna molecules

Polynuclear metal complexes, supporting efficient intramolecular energy transfer processes, can be used to increase the light harvesting efficiency of sensitized wide bandgap semiconductors. Experimental studies are discussed to emphasize: (i) how structural changes at the molecular level may affect the performances of photoelectrochemical cells based on antenna-sensitizer molecular assemblies, (ii) the availability of fast time-resolved resonance Raman and infrared spectroscopies for monitoring intercomponent energy transfer processes, and (iii) the possibility to design extended antenna units acting as molecular conduits for long-range energy transfer.