The polarisability of atoms and molecules: a comparison between a conceptual density functional theory approach and time-dependent density functional theory

We investigate the local polarisability or polarisability density using both a conceptual density functional theory approach based on the linear response function and time-dependent density functional theory. Using a zero frequency in the latter, we can immediately compare both approaches. Using an analytical expression for the linear response kernel, we are able to systematically analyse α(r) throughout the periodic table. An extension to molecules is also made with a study of the CO molecule retrieving the connection between local softness and local polarisability.     

Photoinduced electron transfer from tryptophan to Ru(II)TAP complexes: the primary process for photo-cross-linking with oligopeptides

The photoreaction mechanism of [Ru(TAP)(2)(phen)](2+) and [Ru(TAP)(3)](2+) (TAP = 1,4,5,8-tetraazaphenanthrene) with tryptophan (Trp), N-acetyl-Trp, and Lys-Trp-Lys is examined. The existence of a photoelectron-transfer process from the amino acid unit is demonstrated by laser flash photolysis experiments. The back electron transfer (BET) from the reduced complex to the oxidized amino acid, occurring at the microsecond time scale, corresponds approximately to an equimolecular-bimolecular process; however, it is disturbed by another reaction, originating from the oxidized Trp. Moreover, in competition with the BET, the reduced and oxidized intermediates give rise to an adduct. The latter is clearly detected by gel electrophoresis experiments in denaturing conditions, with a system composed of an oligonucleotide derivatized at the 3' end by the Ru(II)TAP complex and hybridized with the complementary sequence functionalized at the 5' end by the tripeptide Lys-Trp-Lys. Thus, upon illumination, a cross-linking between the two strands is observed, which originates from the presence of a Trp residue.     

Nanoscale chemical analysis of beam-sensitive polymeric materials by cryogenic electron microscopy

Nanoscale chemical analysis of functional polymer systems by electron microscopy, to gain access into degradation processes during the materials life cycle, is still a formidable challenge due to their beam sensitivity. Here a systematic study on the different stages of degradation in a P3HT-PCBM organic photovoltaic (OPV) model system is presented. To this end pristine samples, samples with (reversibly) physisorbed oxygen and water and samples with (irreversibly) chemisorbed oxygen and water are imaged utilizing the full capabilities of cryogenic STEM-EELS. It is found that oxygen and water are largely physisorbed in this system leading to significant effects on the band structure, especially for PCBM. Quantification proves that degradation concomitantly decreases the amount of CC bonds and increases the amount of C O C bonds in the sample. Finally, it is shown that with a pulsed electron beam utilizing a microwave cavity, beam damage can be significantly reduced which likely extends the possibilities for such studies in future.     

Synthesis, characterization, electrochemical and photophysical properties of elbow-shaped trinuclear Ru(II) complexes, building blocks for novel supramolecular constructions

Three trinuclear elbow-shaped Ru(II) complexes based on the non symmetrical bridging PHEHAT ligand (PHEHAT = 1,10-phenanthrolino[5,6-b]-1,4,5,8,9,12-hexaazatriphenylene) have been prepared and characterized by NMR, electrochemistry, absorption and emission spectroscopy. It is shown that the dichloro trinuclear complex 1 should behave as an excellent precursor for the synthesis of larger species. Indeed, it reacts easily with 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) and 1,4,5,8-tetraazaphenanthrene (TAP) and leads to the trinuclear compounds 2 and 3, respectively. The electrochemical and emission studies indicate that for 2 and 3, there is an intramolecular energy transfer from the center to the periphery of the elbow-shaped trinuclear complex, whereas for complex 1 the energy transfer takes place in the other direction.     

Adduct formation by photo-induced electron transfer between photo-oxidising Ru(II) complexes and tryptophan

The (3)MLCT excited state of Ru(II) complexes with 1,4,5,8-tetraazaphenanthrene (TAP) ligands in the presence of tryptophan gives rise to an electron transfer process from the amino acid with subsequent formation of an adduct between the two partners, strongly influenced by oxygen.     

Ru(phen)2(PHEHAT)]2+ and [Ru(phen)2(HATPHE)]2+: two ruthenium(II) complexes with the same ligands but different photophysics and spectroelectrochemistry

The properties of two mononuclear Ru(II) complexes formed with the extended planar ligand PHEHAT depend drastically on the chelation site by the metallic ion. When the chelation takes place on the HAT site of the ligand (case of the novel complex [Ru(phen)2(HATPHE)]2+), the emission behavior is quite similar to that of [Ru(phen)2(HAT)]2+. In contrast, when the chelation is on the phen motif of the ligand (case of [Ru(phen)2(PHEHAT)]2+), the spectroscopic (absorption and emission) and electrochemical data for the complex do not obey the linear spectroelectrochemical correlation and the emission behavior is comparable to that of the extensively studied dppz complex ([Ru(phen/bpy)2(dppz)]2+). Thus, for [Ru(phen)2(PHEHAT)]2+, the emission lifetimes and intensities as a function of temperature exhibit a maximum for nitrile solvents. However, in contrast to the dppz case, at least three different states (two emitting and one dark) participate in the deactivation with different contributions depending on the temperature. These different contributions explain the observed maximum. Moreover, the fact that the solvent is liquid or frozen also influences the nature of the luminescent species.