Analysis of interaction between the organic dye methylene blue and the surface of AgCl(I) microcrystals

We have used IR spectroscopy to study the nature of interaction between molecules of the organic dye methylene blue (MB) and the surface of AgCl(I) microcrystals. We recorded the IR absorption spectra of the organic dye methylene blue in the gas phase, adsorbed on the surface of AgCl(I) microcrystals, and also in the form of crystal hydrates. The results obtained allowed us to hypothesize that unsaturated dimethylamino groups and the sulfur atom in the heterocycle of this dye are the most active in the interaction between methylene blue molecules and the surface of AgCl(I) microcrystals. With the help of IR spectra of methylene blue crystal hydrates, we confirmed the significant role of OH groups during adsorption of molecules on the surface of AgCl(I) microcrystals. We suggest the possibility of formation of hydrogen bonds between the anions of the crystal lattice and the unsaturated dimethylamino groups as well as the sulfur atoms in the heterocycle, by formation of hydrogen bonds with the OH groups. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 74, No. 6, pp. 731–737, November–December, 2007.