The photoelectrochemistry of platinum phthalocyanine films in aqueous media

Platinum phthalocyanine (PtPc) films applied to glassy carbon (GC) and platinum surfaces have been shown to exhibit complex photoelectrochemistry in aqueous media, acting as an n-type semi-conducting material. Using chopped polychromatic radiation and a lock-in amplifier to detect the modulated photocurrent, photo-responses were measured for PtPc films on GC in a variety of background electrolytes. In all instances the photo-responses were anodic over the voltage ranges used. Two peaks were seen in each sweep direction for the experiments performed in sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide solutions. The origin of the photocurrent has been ascribed to the photo-oxidation of water in the electrolyte by positive holes produced under illumination, which accumulate at the PtPc/electrolyte interface. Photocurrent transients were also recorded and indicated some recombination of excitons within the system.