Unique photochemical behavior of novel tetracationic pyrene derivative on the clay surface

Novel tetracationic pyrene derivative (1,3,6,8-tetrakis(N-methylpyridinium-4-yl)pyrene, Py⁴⁺) was synthesized. Photochemical properties such as fluorescence quantum yield and fluorescence lifetime were observed for Py⁴⁺ and Py⁴⁺/clay complexes. Judging from Lambert-Beer plot analysis, Py⁴⁺ molecules adsorb on the clay surface without aggregation up to 69% versus cation exchange capacity of the clay. Py⁴⁺ molecule emits strong fluorescence from an excited state of monomer, while the emission from excimer was not detected, in spite of high density adsorption condition on the solid surface. It is supposed that strong interaction between host and guest by the ‘Size-Matching Effect’ inhibits the formation of excimer on the clay surface.