Anion-controlled morphologies and spectral features of cyanine-based nanoGUMBOS--an improved photosensitizer

Nanoscale. 2012 Aug 21;4(16):5031-8. doi: 10.1039/c2nr30432e. Epub 2012 Jul 6.

Abstract

The ability to control the morphologies and spectral properties of organic low-dimensional nanomaterials is of paramount importance. The research reported herein demonstrates a template-free approach to tailored morphological and optical properties for a novel class of pseudoisocyanine (PIC)-based fluorescent organic nanoparticles derived from a group of uniform materials based on organic salts (GUMBOS). The synthesized nanoscale PIC-based particles (termed nanoGUMBOS), [PIC][NTf(2)] and [PIC][BETI], exhibit interesting adaptability as a function of the associated anion. The diamond-shaped nanostructures of [PIC][NTf(2)] and [PIC][BETI] nanorods exhibit enhanced fluorescence quantum yields relative to the parent compound, [PIC][I]. As supported by fluorescence lifetime measurements, these enhanced spectral properties can be attributed to differences in molecular self-assembly ordering (e.g., H- vs. J-aggregation) and restricted molecular rotation leading to reduced twisted intramolecular charge transfer in the nanoGUMBOS. The electrochemical properties of the PIC-based GUMBOS suggest their potential use in dye-sensitized solar cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Anions / chemistry*
  • Carbocyanines / chemistry*
  • Electrochemical Techniques
  • Fluorescence Polarization
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / chemistry*
  • Quantum Theory
  • Solar Energy

Substances

  • Anions
  • Carbocyanines
  • Photosensitizing Agents