Structure and photoelectrochemical properties of phthalocyanine and perylene diimide composite clusters deposited electrophoretically on nanostructured SnO2 electrodes

Clusters of phthalocyanine and phthalocyanine-perylene diimide have been prepared and electrophoretically deposited on nanostructured SnO2 electrodes. The structure and photoelectrochemical properties of the clusters have been investigated by using UV-visible absorption, dynamic light scattering (DLS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and photoelectrochemical and photodynamical measurements. Enhancement of the photocurrent generation efficiency in the composite system has been achieved relative to that in the phthalocyanine reference system without the perylene diimide. Such information will be valuable for the design of molecular photoelectrochemical devices that exhibit efficient photocurrent generation.     

锌酞菁掺杂C60在InP电极上的光电性能研究

Ｃ＿（６０）球烯是具有高度对称性的全碳原子簇，它既是电子受体，又是电子给体，表现出特有的光物理与光化学性能￣［１，２］．近十多年来众多的研究者对具有电子给体和电子受体的共轭π电子体系化合物在光照下的行为进行了深入研究￣［３］，认为用它作为有机光电子功能材料具有十分广阔的前景。随着人们对球烯研究的不断深入，尤其是宏观量球烯的合成与分离已日趋完善，以球烯为基础的有机光电材料必将越来越受到重视．金属酞青化合物由于拥有众多π电子的共轭体系，具有良好的光敏、半导体等性能，是较好的有机光电材料￣［４．５］．但在可见光区，其光敏性仍不够强，本文以ＺｎＰｃ掺杂Ｃ＿（６０）探索其光电性能，以期提高其光敏性．同类研究尚未见文献报道．     

Synthesis and electrical properties of novel supramolecular octa-phthalocyaninato-dicobalt(II)-hexazinc(II) and dicobalt(II)-dimeric-phthalocyanine with six ferrocenylimin pendant groups

In this study supramolecular octakis phthalocyaninato-diCo(II)hexakis-Zn(II) has been synthesized in two steps. Starting with tetracyanodibenzo(1,4,7,10-tetrathia-(12-crown)) (1) and 4-nitro-1,2-dicyanobenzene (2), nitro-substituted dimeric phthalocyanine (3) was synthesized. Compound 3 reacted with unsymmetric Zn(II) phthalocyanine (4) to furnish a supramolecular assemble of a Co(II) dimer with six Zn(II) phthalocyanines through azo bridges (5). Co(II) dimeric phthalocyanine with six ferrocenyl groups (7) was obtained by the condensation of 6 with ferrocenylaldehyde. Compounds 3, 5, 6 and 7 were characterized by elemental analysis, ICP-MS, IR, UV–Vis and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The electronic properties of a thin film of the compounds were investigated by impedance spectroscopy and d.c. conductivity measurements as a function of temperature. The a.c. conductivity is found to vary with frequency, ω, as ω^s with index s  1, suggesting a hopping conduction mechanism for 3 and 6. Whereas a frequency independent conductivity was observed for 5. It was found that reducing the nitro group to amines and azo coupling by the asymmetric nitro groups increases the electrical conductivity. The higher conductivity of 5 can be attributed to the increase in the mobility of charge carriers due to overlap of the π electron systems along the stacking direction of the molecules.     

Time-resolved photocurrent generation in a photoelectrochemical cell with phthalocyanine

The kinetics of photocurrent generated in the photoelectrochemical cell (PEC) with phthalocyanine (Pc) dyes in the microsecond time scale was discussed. The shape of the kinetics is rather complex and it was discussed in terms of molecular phenomena and electrochemical processes occurring after laser flash illumination. Time constants were calculated from the photocurrent decay curves and at least three time components were well recognized (rise in 0.40 micros, declining in 0.40-0.45 micros and secondary increase in about 2 micros). The shape of the kinetics was discussed in terms of dye singlet and triplet state participation in photocurrent generation and also in terms of creation of the Helmholtz-Goy double layer at the dye layer-semiconductor interface. The alteration in shape of the Helmholtz-Goy double layer in photoelectrochemical cell after laser pulse was also discussed.     

State selective electron injection in non-aggregated titanium phthalocyanine sensitised nanocrystalline TiO2 films

We describe a novel titanium phthalocyanine that shows no aggregation when anchored to nanocrystalline TiO2 films through its axial carboxylated ligand without the use of co-adsorbents; state selective electron injection into the TiO2 is demonstrated, resulting in efficient photocurrent generation in dye sensitised photoelectrochemical solar cells.     

Electrochemical characterization of Co(II) and Pd(II) phthalocyanines carrying diethoxymalonyl and carboxymethyl substituents

In this study, electrochemical behaviors of Co(II) and Pd(II) phthalocyanines carrying tetrakisdiethoxymalonyl and Pd(II) phthalocyanine carrying tetrakiscarboxymethyl substituents at the peripheral positions are investigated by cyclic voltammetry and applied potential chronocoulometry techniques. Cyclic voltammetric studies show that, while Pd(II) phthalocyanines carrying diethoxymalonyl and carboxymethyl substituents give up to three common phthalocyanine ring reductions, Co(II) phthalocyanine carrying diethoxymalonyl substituents gives a metal-centered oxidation and a metal-centered reduction and three ligand-centered reduction and a ligand-centered oxidation processes. First reduction processes of both the PdPc complexes have shoulders. This different voltammetric behaviors of Pd(II) phthalocyanines carrying carboxymethyl and diethoxymalonyl substituents results from interaction of this distinctive substituents with the phthalocyanine ring π electron system and interaction with the different solvent systems. Observation of the splitting of the first reduction process of Pd(II) phthalocyanines carrying diethoxymalonyl and carboxymethyl substituents suggests the aggregation of the complex. Very small diffusion coefficient of the complexes with respect to Co(II) phthalocyanine also confirms the existence of the aggregation of the complex during the electrochemical studies. Effects of the substituents and the solvent media are clearly observed from the differences of the voltammograms of Pd(II) phthalocyanines carrying diethoxymalonyl and carboxymethyl substituents in DMSO and THF solvent media, respectively. Published in Russian in Elektrokhimiya, 2006, Vol. 42, No. 1, pp. 36–43. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

Study of the influence of substituents on spectroscopic and photoelectric properties of zinc phthalocyanines

In this paper we describe conversion of light energy into electric energy in a photoelectrochemical cell containing zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) dyes. For all dyes investigated in liquid polyvinyl alcohol with dimethyl sulfoxide solution and located in the photoelectrochemical cell the following measurements have been done: absorption, fluorescence, photoacoustic spectra, photovoltaic spectra, kinetics of photocurrent and current–voltage characteristics. It has been shown that all dyes located in the photoelectrochemical cell are able to convert light into electric energy but with different effectiveness. The influence of substituted different peripheral groups to ZnPc core and the correlation between the molecular structure and effectiveness of solar to electric energy conversion were observed and described. The unique behavior of ZnPc substituted with fluorines was indicated.     

Convergent Synthesis of Near‐Infrared Absorbing, “Push–Pull”, Bisthiophene‐Substituted,Zinc(II) Phthalocyanines and their Application in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells

Zinc(II) phthalocyanine dyes that contain triarylamine‐terminated bisthiophene and hexylbisthiophene groups have been synthesized by a convergent approach by using carboxytriiodo–ZnPc as a precursor. Further transformation of the iodo groups by a Pd‐catalyzed reaction allowed easy preparation of further extended π‐conjugated carboxy–ZnPcs. These dyes have been used as sensitizers in dye‐sensitized solar cells, which exhibit a panchromatic response and moderate overall efficiencies.     

Modified phthalocyanines for efficient near-IR sensitization of nanostructured TiO(2) electrode

A zinc phthalocyanine with tyrosine substituents (ZnPcTyr), modified for efficient far-red/near-IR performance in dye-sensitized nanostructured TiO(2) solar cells, and its reference, glycine-substituted zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPcGly), were synthesized and characterized. The compounds were studied spectroscopically, electrochemically, and photoelectrochemically. Incorporating tyrosine groups into phthalocyanine makes the dye ethanol-soluble and reduces surface aggregation as a result of steric effects. The performance of a solar cell based on ZnPcTyr is much better than that based on ZnPcGly. Addition of 3alpha,7alpha-dihydroxy-5beta-cholic acid (cheno) and 4-tert-butylpyridine (TBP) to the dye solution when preparing a dye-sensitized TiO(2) electrode diminishes significantly the surface aggregation and, therefore, improves the performance of solar cells based on these phthalocyanines. The highest monochromatic incident photo-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) of approximately 24% at 690 nm and an overall conversion efficiency (eta) of 0.54% were achieved for a cell based on a ZnPcTyr-sensitized TiO(2) electrode. Addition of TBP in the electrolyte decreases the IPCE and eta considerably, although it increases the open-circuit photovoltage. Time-resolved transient absorption measurements of interfacial electron-transfer kinetics in a ZnPcTyr-sensitized nanostructured TiO(2) thin film show that electron injection from the excited state of the dye into the conduction band of TiO(2) is completed in approximately 500 fs and that more than half of the injected electrons recombines with the oxidized dye molecules in approximately 300 ps. In addition to surface aggregation, the very fast electron recombination is most likely responsible for the low performance of the solar cell based on ZnPcTyr.     

Photoelectrochemical Detection of L‐Cysteine with a Covalently Grafted ZnTAPc‐Gr‐based Probe

L‐cysteine plays a vital role in organisms, and is an important biomarker for many pathological diseases that seriously affect human health. In the study, a photoelectrochemical (PEC) probe with zinc‐tetramine phthalocyanine covalently grafted to graphene oxide (ZnTAPc‐Gr) was developed for L‐cysteine detection. Graphene oxide (GO) with carboxyl was used to immobilize zinc‐tetramine phthalocyanine (ZnTAPc) with amidogen (a graft structure formed by an amide covalent bond), which could firmly immobilize ZnTAPc, thereby improving the photoelectrochemical performance and stability. L‐cysteine molecule, an electron acceptor, was specifically recognized by the PEC probe, exhibiting a decrease in the photocurrent signal. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the fabricated PEC probe exhibited excellent performance in L‐cysteine analysis within a linear range of 0.25–113 μM and a detection limit of 11.4 nM. The PEC probe showed high sensitivity, selectivity, and stability. The method described herein provides an effective strategy for PEC probe construction for L‐cysteine detection, and can also serve as a promising PEC platform for the analyses of other small molecules.     

Determination of Imidacloprid Based on the Development of a Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with Reduced Graphene Oxide and Manganese (II) Phthalocyanine

An electrochemical sensor of glassy carbon electrode modified with reduced graphene oxide and manganese (II) phthalocyanine (GCE/rGO/MnPc) was developed as an effective alternative in the determination of imidacloprid in honey samples. The peak current variation obtained with the proposed sensor, in the presence of imidacloprid, was higher compared to the bare GCE. The followed experimental conditions were optimized: reduced graphene oxide concentration (2.0 mg mL^?1), manganese (II) phthalocyanine concentration (1.5 mg mL^?1), electrolyte pH (6.5) and electrolyte concentration (1,50 mol L^?1). The study also showed that the process of reduction of imidacloprid is irreversible and diffusion‐controlled, with a single reduction peak of approximately ?0.9 V corresponding to the reduction of the nitro group (?NO2) present in the structure, generating a derived from hydroxylamine, in a process involving about four electrons. The determination of imidacloprid in honey samples exhibited recovery values within the EPA range (between 90.5 and 101.9 %). The proposed sensor GCE/rGO/MnPc can be used as an effective alternative in the determination of imidacloprid in honey samples.     

Facile electrochemical growth of nanostructured copper phthalocyanine thin film via simultaneous anodic oxidation of copper and dilithium phthalocyanine for photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution

We present a novel electrochemical approach to grow copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) thin-film photoelectrodes through anodic oxidation of copper and dilithium phthalocyanine (Li₂Pc). This circumvents the challenges associated with the electrochemical processing of unsubstituted CuPc from solution. The potentiostatic co-electrooxidation reaction at the heterogeneous interface favors the growth of CuPc thin film. The surface morphology of thin film exhibits nanorod-like features. UV-Vis, grazing angle Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and grazing angle X-ray diffraction patterns reveal that the nanocrystalline phase corresponds only to α-CuPc and no admixture of other polymorphs. Photocurrent measurement shows a stable photoresponse in neutral medium. The photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution on p-type CuPc coated copper photocathode shows an enhanced activity over bare copper and indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodeposited with CuPc and monolithium phthalocyanine radical (LiPc) thin films.     

Novel Cobalt (II) Phthalocyanine‐Containing Polyimides: Synthesis,Characterization, Thermal and Optical Properties

Summary: A novel class of polymer has been prepared by reaction of a copolyimide containing carboxylic acid groups, and a cobalt phthalocyanine peripherally substituted with a reactive hydroxyl group. The incorporation of the phthalocyanine ring was achieved by esterification of the carboxylic acid groups of the polyimide with the free hydroxyl group of the phthalocyanine. In this work, a limited number of phthalocyanine rings have been introduced in order to avoid extensive modification of the copolyimide properties. The extent of modification (percentage of esterified carboxylic groups) was estimated to be about 18%. The resulting material showed good thermal stability and a high glass transition temperature (above 300 °C). The incorporation of the bulky phthalocyanine ring brought about a light decrease of thermal properties, relative to those of the initial polyimide. The presence of phthalocyanine was confirmed by the absorption band at 670 nm showing in the visible region for the modified polyimide. The novel copolyimide also exhibited a remarkable emission peak at 430 nm, when excited at 350 nm, corresponding to the emission of the cobalt phthalocyanine moiety.

Schematic representation of the PI‐CoPc molecule and the chemical structure of the repeat unit.     

Gold(II) Phthalocyanine Revisited: Synthesis and Spectroscopic Properties of Gold(III) Phthalocyanine and an Unprecedented Ring‐Contracted Phthalocyanine Analogue

In 1965, gold(II) phthalocyanine (AuPc, 1 ) was described to be synthesized from unsubstituted 1,3‐diiminoisoindoline and gold powder or AuBr. Compound 1 has been regarded as a rare example of a paramagnetic gold(II) complex. However, its chemistry, especially the oxidation state of the central gold ion, has not been previously explored due to the inherent insolubility of 1 caused by its unsubstituted structure. In our attempt to synthesize soluble AuPcs by using 5,6‐di‐substituted 1,3‐diiminoisoindolines, gold(III) phthalocyanine chloride ( 3 ) and a gold(III) complex of an unprecedented ring‐contracted phthalocyanine analogue ([18]tribenzo‐pentaaza‐triphyrin(4,1,1), 4 ) were isolated. With this discrepant result from the original literature in hand, a reinvestigation of the original AuPc synthesis by using unsubstituted 1,3‐diiminoisoindoline and various gold salts (including gold powder and AuBr) was performed, finding that only unsubstituted analogues of 3 and 4 or free‐base phthalocyanine were obtained. No gold(II)‐containing species could be isolated.     

四磺酸基酞菁锌在水和非水溶剂中的电化学性质研究

在非水溶剂（二甲基亚砜（ＤＭＳＯ）及Ｎ,Ｎ＿二甲基甲酰胺（ＤＭＦ））中的伏安曲线．呈现三对电流峰,表明存在三个可逆或准可逆酞菁配体的单电子转移过程,而在水溶液中则不呈现准可逆行为,且波形改变很大．此外,还比较了四磺酸基酞菁锌的水溶液在自然光和红光（６００～７００ｎｍ）照射下的循环伏安曲线,其氧化还原峰的数目和峰电位基本不变,但在红光照射下比自然光照射下的峰电流明显增大．     

The synthesis of graphene oxide covalently linked with nickel tetraamino phthalocyanine: A photoelectrochemical sensor for the analysis of rifampicin irradiated with blue light

In this article, the fabrication and characterization of a photoelectrochemical (PEC) rifampicin sensor based on graphene oxide grafted with Ni tetraamino phthalocyanine was described, which presents an excellent PEC activity, sensitivity, and material stability. The synthesized graphene oxide grafted with Ni tetraamino phthalocyanine was characterized using ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. Specifically, detection for rifampicin was based on the reduction of photocurrent caused by binding of the analyte to the sensing electrode surface. The fabricated sensor was characterized in a broad linear response range (0.025–71.3 μM) and with a low detection limit (2.5 nM), outperforming the previously reported sensors and thus being well suited for quality control and other applications, as confirmed by successful real‐life sample testing.     

Functional zinc(II) phthalocyanines bearing Schiff base complexes as oxidation catalysts for bleaching systems

Oxidation catalysis is used to increase the performance of hydrogen peroxide in laundry bleach applications. Bleach catalysts provide cost‐effective, energy‐saving and environmentally friendly bleach systems yielding perfect stain removal at lower temperatures. This comparative study is based on the synthesis of bis[bis(salicylhydrazonephenoxy)manganese(III)] phthalocyaninatozinc(II) ( 2 ), bis[bis(salicylhydrazonephenoxy)cobalt(III)] phthalocyaninatozinc(II) ( 3 ) and bis[bis(salicylhydrazonephenoxy)iron(III)] phthalocyaninatozinc(II) ( 4 ) as tri‐nuclear complexes consisting of two Schiff base complexes substituting a zinc phthalocyanine. Complexion on the periphery to obtain complexes 2 , 3 , 4 was performed through the reaction of a Schiff base‐substituted phthalocyanine using MnCl₂?4H₂O, CoCl₂?6H₂O or FeCl₃?6H₂O salts in basic condition in dimethylformamide. Fourier transform infrared, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, UV–visible, inductively coupled plasma optical emission and mass spectra were applied to characterize the prepared compounds. The bleach performances of the three phthalocyanine compounds 2 , 3 , 4 were examined by the degradation of morin as hydrophilic dye. The degradation progress in the presence of catalysts 2 , 3 , 4 /H₂O₂ combination in aqueous solution was investigated using an online spectrophotometric method. It was found that the catalysts 2 , 3 , 4 exhibited better bleaching performance at 25 °C than tetraactylethylethylenediamine as bleach activator used in powder detergent formulations for stain removal. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Photophysical properties of [60]fullerenes and phthalocyanines embedded in ordered mesoporous silica films annealed at various temperatures

The photophysical properties of fullerene and/or phthalocyanine dyes embedded in ordered mesoporous silica films and the influence of annealing temperature on the nature of the immobilized dye molecules has been investigated using photoluminescence (PL) and diffuse reflectance (DR) studies. The PL and DR studies show that fullerene (C60) and/or zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) molecules incorporated into transparent mesoporous silica films, via either sol-gel or grafting routes, exist predominantly in monomeric form. Careful choice of annealing temperature, between 25 and 225 degrees C, can further enhance monomeric dispersion. For C60-containing films, monomeric dispersion of fullerene was observed for annealing temperatures up to 175 degrees C for sol-gel derived films and 225 degrees C for grafted films. Both sol-gel and grafted ZnPc-containing films showed evidence of monodispersed phthalocyanine for annealing temperatures up to 225 degrees C. In general, annealing temperatures in the range 125-175 degrees C were found to yield optimal monodispersion of the dye molecules. When both C60 and ZnPc were incorporated into the silica films, no evidence of interaction between the dyes, i.e., charge-transfer transitions or the formation of fullerene/phthalocyanine charge-transfer complexes, was observed. This suggests that embedded fullerene and phthalocyanine molecules may be used for the preparation of solid-state optical limiters, based on reverse saturable absorption, where monomeric dispersion of the dye molecules is important.     

PHOTOSENSITIZATION SYSTEMS OF COVALENTLY LINKED PHTHALOCYANINE COMPLEXES IN BOTH BILAYER LIPID MEMBRANES AND TIN OXIDE PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL

Abstract Zinc phthalolocyanine photosensitized donor-acceptor systems for light energy conversion and for the design of photoelectrochemical molecular devices are presented. Covalently linked phthalocyanine complexes were incorporated in bilayer lipid membranes (BLM) and deposited on SnO₂ transparent electrodes. Their photovoltages were measured and compared. It has been found that a more favorable orientation and closer proximity are attained in the diad compounds between the donor (phthalocyanine)-acceptor (anthraquinone) pair than in the reference compound for efficient light-induced charge separation and transfer. The triad compound is the best among all tested compounds. The decrease in the fluorescence yield and lifetime induced by quinones was examined and the apparent electron-transfer rate constants were calculated.     

Novel sulfonated hydrophilic indium(III) and gallium(III) phthalocyanine photosensitizers: preparation and investigation of photophysicochemical properties

The new tetra-non-peripherally benzenesulfonic acid-substituted hydrophilic gallium chloride and indium chloride phthalocyanine complexes have been synthesized by cyclotetramerization of 4-(2,3-dicyanophenyl)benzenesulfonic acid (1). The newly synthesized phthalocyanines have been characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, mass and UV–vis spectroscopy techniques. The water-soluble gallium(III) phthalocyanine derivative (2) was aggregated in aqueous media but was fully disaggregated in the presence of a surfactant Triton X-100. The incorporation of sulfonate moieties of the phthalocyanine macrocycle provides hydrophilic character to the new compounds, which is useful for drug administration and serves as crucial in PDT application. So, the photochemical properties (singlet oxygen quantum yields and photodegradation quantum yields) and photophysical properties (fluorescence behavior) of the complexes were reported in different solutions (DMSO and water). The results of spectral measurements showed that both np-GaPc (2) and np-InPc (3) can be used as sensitizers in PDT because of their singlet oxygen efficiencies.