Layered silicate films with photochemically active porphyrin cations

Abstract

The objective of this study was to prepare and characterize hybrid films based onlayered silicates with a tetracationic porphyrin dye 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(N-methylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin (TMPyP) intercalated in the inorganic matrix. The properties of the TMPyPcations in the materials were compared with those of other systems (solutions, colloids)characterized mainly by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies. Linearly polarizedabsorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and fluorescence microscopy were usedas well. Using appropriate layered silicate templates, applying the premodification of theinorganic component with hydrophobic alkylammonium surfactants, and selecting anappropriate method, one can prepare the materials of broadly variable spectral properties ofthe dye. The spectral variation takes place while preserving the photochemical activity ofTMPyP. The interpretations of spectral changes are based on the structural changes of theTMPyP molecules adsorbed on layered silicate surface related to the flattening of cationicpyridinium sub-stituents. © 2009 IUPAC.