Cis-to-trans photoconversion of azobenzene self-assembled monolayers on gold nanoparticle surfaces investigated by Raman spectroscopy

Abstract

Cis-trans photoconversion behaviors of 4-dimethylaminoazobenzenecarboxylate (4DAzC) on gold nanoparticle surfaces have been investigated by means of Raman spectroscopy. The vibrational features indicated that both the cis- and trans-conformation should coexist after the adsorption on gold nanoparticle surfaces. After the irradiation of the blue light, the intensities of the cis-form peaks were found to decrease on gold. Our work can demonstrate that Raman spectroscopy can be utilized in studying the photoconversion of azobenzene-containing self-assembled monolayers fabricated on metal surfaces. © The Royal Society of Chemistry and Owner Societies.