Phosphonate-based bipyridine dyes for stable photovoltaic devices

Impact of Photosensitizing Multilayered Structure on Ruthenium(II)-Dye-Sensitized TiO2-Nanoparticle Photocatalysts

To improve the efficiency of photoinduced charge separation on the surface of dye-sensitized TiO₂ nanoparticles, we synthesized the Ru(II)-photosensitizer-immobilized, Pt-cocatalyst-loaded TiO₂ nanoparticles RuCP ² @Pt-TiO₂, RuCP ² -Zr-RuP ⁶ @Pt-TiO₂, and RuCP ² -Zr-RuP ⁴ -Zr-RuP ⁶ @Pt-TiO₂ (RuCP ² = [Ru(bpy)₂(mpbpy)]^2-, RuP ⁴ = [Ru(bpy)(pbpy)₂]^6-, RuP ⁶ = [Ru(pbpy)₃]^10-, H₄mpbpy = 2,2'-bipyridine-4,4'-bis(methanephosphonic acid), and H₄pbpy = 2,2'-bipyridine-4,4'-bis(phosphonic acid)) using phosphonate linkers with bridging Zr⁴⁺ ions. X-ray fluorescence and ultraviolet-visible absorption spectra revealed that a layered molecular structure composed of Ru(II) photosensitizers and Zr⁴⁺ ions (i.e., RuCP ² -Zr-RuP ⁶ and RuCP ² -Zr-RuP ⁴ -Zr-RuP ⁶ ) was successfully formed on the surface of Pt-TiO₂ nanoparticles, which increased the surface coverage from 0.113 nmol/cm² for singly layered RuCP ² @Pt-TiO₂ to 0.330 nmol/cm² for triply layered RuCP ² -Zr-RuP ⁴ -Zr-RuP ⁶ @Pt-TiO₂. The photocatalytic H₂ evolution activity of the doubly layered RuCP ² -Zr-RuP ⁶ @Pt-TiO₂ was three times higher than that of the singly layered RuCP ² @Pt-TiO₂, whereas the activity of triply layered RuCP ² -Zr-RuP ⁴ -Zr-RuP ⁶ @Pt-TiO₂ was less than half of that for RuCP ² @Pt-TiO₂. The photosensitizing efficiencies of these Ru(II)-photosensitizer-immobilized nanoparticles for the O₂ evolution reaction catalyzed by the Co(II)-containing Prussian blue analogue [Co^II(H₂O)₂]_1.31[{Co^III(CN)₆}_0.63{Pt^II(CN)₄}_0.37] decreased as the number of Ru(II)-photosensitizing layers increased. Thus, crucial aspects of the energy- and electron-transfer mechanism for the photocatalytic H₂ and O₂ evolution reactions involve not only the Ru(II)-complex-TiO₂ interface but also the multilayered structure of the Ru(II)-photosensitizers on the Pt-TiO₂ surface.

Fluoropolymer-Stabilized Chromophore-Catalyst Assemblies in Aqueous Buffer Solutions for Water-Oxidation Catalysis

Here, the application of the fluorinated polymer [Dupont AF, a copolymer of 4,5-difluoro-2,2-bis(trifluoromethyl)-1,3-dioxole and tetrafluoroethylene] is described in stabilizing phosphonate-derivatized molecular assemblies on oxide electrodes. In the procedure, the polymer was dip-coated onto the surfaces of oxide electrodes with pre-bound, phosphonate-derivatized chromophores and assemblies, including assemblies for water oxidation. The results of the experiments showed a high degree of stabilization by the added polymer and a demonstration of its use in stabilizing surface-bound assemblies for water-oxidation catalysis.

Aqueous Photocurrent Measurements Correlated to Ultrafast Electron Transfer Dynamics at Ruthenium Tris Diimine-Sensitized NiO Photocathodes

Understanding the structural and electronic factors governing the efficiency of dye-sensitized NiO photocathodes is essential to optimize solar fuel production in photoelectrochemical cells (PECs). For these purpose, three different ruthenium dyes, bearing either two or four methylphosphonate anchoring groups and either a bipyridine or a dipyridophenazine ancillary ligand, were synthesized and grafted onto NiO films. These photoelectrodes were fully characterized by XPS, ToF-SIMS, UV-vis absorption, time-resolved emission and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopies. Increasing the number of anchoring groups from two to four proved beneficial for the grafting efficiency. No significant modification of the electronic properties compared to the parent photosensitizer was observed, in accordance with the non-conjugated nature of the grafted linker. The photoelectrochemical activity of the dye-sensitized NiO electrodes was assessed in fully aqueous medium in the presence of an irreversible electron acceptor and photocurrents reaching 190 μA.cm^-2 were recorded. The transient absorption study revealed the presence of two charge recombination pathways for each of the sensitizers and evidenced a stabilized charge separated state in the dppz derivative, supporting its superior photoelectrochemical activity.

Anchoring groups for photocatalytic water oxidation on metal oxide surfaces

The synthesis, binding modes, water stability, and electron-transfer dynamics are compared for carboxylate, phosphonate, hydroxamate, and silatrane anchoring groups.

Investigation of a new bis(carboxylate)triazole-based anchoring ligand for dye solar cell chromophore complexes

A novel anchoring ligand for dye-sensitised solar cell chromophoric complexes, 1-(2,2′-bipyrid-4-yl)-1,2,3-triazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid (dctzbpy), is described.

Effects of a phosphonate anchoring group on the excited state electron transfer rates from a terthiophene chromophore to a ZnO nanocrystal

Relative to carboxyl-anchored chromophores, phosphonate-anchored dyes are bound more strongly but slow the excited state electron transfer to ZnO nanocrystals.

Highly stable chemisorption of dyes with pyridyl anchors over TiO2: application in dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical water reduction in aqueous media

The “pyridyl anchoring technique” enables constant photocurrent density in a water reduction dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cell with a polypyridyl ruthenium sensitizer having pyridyl anchors (Ru-py).

Photoreduction of Shewanella oneidensis Extracellular Cytochromes by Organic Chromophores and Dye-Sensitized TiO2

The transfer of photoenergized electrons from extracellular photosensitizers across a bacterial cell envelope to drive intracellular chemical transformations represents an attractive way to harness nature's catalytic machinery for solar-assisted chemical synthesis. In Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 (MR-1), trans-outer-membrane electron transfer is performed by the extracellular cytochromes MtrC and OmcA acting together with the outer-membrane-spanning porin⋅cytochrome complex (MtrAB). Here we demonstrate photoreduction of solutions of MtrC, OmcA, and the MtrCAB complex by soluble photosensitizers: namely, eosin Y, fluorescein, proflavine, flavin, and adenine dinucleotide, as well as by riboflavin and flavin mononucleotide, two compounds secreted by MR-1. We show photoreduction of MtrC and OmcA adsorbed on Ru^II -dye-sensitized TiO₂ nanoparticles and that these protein-coated particles perform photocatalytic reduction of solutions of MtrC, OmcA, and MtrCAB. These findings provide a framework for informed development of strategies for using the outer-membrane-associated cytochromes of MR-1 for solar-driven microbial synthesis in natural and engineered bacteria.

Energy and Electron Transfer Cascade in Self-Assembled Bilayer Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Current high efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) rely on the incorporation of multiple chromophores, via either codeposition or preformed assemblies, as a means of increasing broad band light absorption. These strategies have some inherent limitations including decreased total light absorption by each of the dyes, low surface loadings, and complex synthetic procedures. In this report, we introduce an alternative strategy, self-assembled bilayers, as a simple, stepwise method of incorporating two complementary chromophores into a DSSC. The bilayer devices exhibit a 10% increase in J_sc, V_oc, and η over the monolayer devices due to increased incident photon-to-electron conversion efficiency across the entire visible spectrum and slowed recombination losses at the interface. Directional energy and electron transfer toward the metal oxide surface are key steps in the bilayer photon-to-current generation process. These results are important as they open the door to a new architecture for harnessing broadband light in dye-sensitized devices.

Finding the Way to Solar Fuels with Dye-Sensitized Photoelectrosynthesis Cells

The dye-sensitized photoelectrosynthesis cell (DSPEC) integrates high bandgap, nanoparticle oxide semiconductors with the light-absorbing and catalytic properties of designed chromophore-catalyst assemblies. The goals are photoelectrochemical water splitting into hydrogen and oxygen and reduction of CO₂ by water to give oxygen and carbon-based fuels. Solar-driven water oxidation occurs at a photoanode and water or CO₂ reduction at a cathode or photocathode initiated by molecular-level light absorption. Light absorption is followed by electron or hole injection, catalyst activation, and catalytic water oxidation or water/CO₂ reduction. The DSPEC is of recent origin but significant progress has been made. It has the potential to play an important role in our energy future.

A water-soluble and retrievable ruthenium-based probe for colorimetric recognition of Hg(II) and Cys

A new ruthenium-based complex 1 [(bis(4,4'-dimethylphosphonic-2,2'-bipyridine) dithiocyanato ruthenium (II))] was developed as a colorimetric probe for the detection of Hg(II) and Cys (Cysteine). The obtained compound 1 can give interconversional color changes upon the alternating addition of Hg(II) and Cys in 100% aqueous solution. The specific coordination between NCS groups with Hg(II) can lead to the formation of 1-Hg(2+) complex, which can induce a remarkable spectral changes of probe 1. Afterwards the formed 1-Hg(2+) complex can act as effective colorimetric sensor for Cys. Owing to the stronger binding affinity of sulfhydryl group to Hg(2+), Cys can extract Hg(2+) from 1-Hg(2+) complex resulting in the release of 1 and the revival of absorption profile of the probe 1. By introducing the hydrophilic phosphonic acid groups, the proposed probe exhibited excellent water solubility. The limits of detection (LODs) of the assay for Hg(2+) and Cys are calculated to be 15nM and 200nM, respectively.

Proton-Induced Trap States, Injection and Recombination Dynamics in Water-Splitting Dye-Sensitized Photoelectrochemical Cells

Water-splitting dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cells (WS-DSPECs) utilize a sensitized metal oxide and a water oxidation catalyst in order to generate hydrogen and oxygen from water. Although the Faradaic efficiency of water splitting is close to unity, the recombination of photogenerated electrons with oxidized dye molecules causes the quantum efficiency of these devices to be low. It is therefore important to understand recombination mechanisms in order to develop strategies to minimize them. In this paper, we discuss the role of proton intercalation in the formation of recombination centers. Proton intercalation forms nonmobile surface trap states that persist on time scales that are orders of magnitude longer than the electron lifetime in TiO2. As a result of electron trapping, recombination with surface-bound oxidized dye molecules occurs. We report a method for effectively removing the surface trap states by mildly heating the electrodes under vacuum, which appears to primarily improve the injection kinetics without affecting bulk trapping dynamics, further stressing the importance of proton control in WS-DSPECs.

Photoelectrochemical hydrogen production in water using a layer-by-layer assembly of a Ru dye and Ni catalyst on NiO

Layer-by-layer assembly of a Ru dye and Ni catalyst on a p-type NiO photocathode enables photoelectrochemical H₂ generation in water.

Capture and conversion of sunlight into the storable energy carrier H₂ can be achieved through photoelectrochemical water splitting using light-absorbing cathodes and anodes bearing H₂ and O₂ evolving catalysts. Here, we report on the development of a dye-sensitised p-type nickel oxide (NiO) photocathode with a hexaphosphonated Ru(2,2′-bipyridine)₃ based dye (RuP3) and a tetraphosphonated molecular [Ni(P₂N₂)₂]²⁺ type proton reduction catalyst (NiP) for the photoreduction of aqueous protons to H₂. A layer-by-layer deposition approach was employed, using Zr⁴⁺ ions to link the phosphonate units in RuP3 and NiP in a supramolecular assembly on the NiO photocathode. This approach keeps the dye in close proximity to the catalyst and semiconductor surface, but spatially separates NiP from NiO for advantageous electron transfer dynamics. The NiO|RuP3–Zr⁴⁺–NiP electrodes generate higher photocurrents and are more stable than photocathodes with RuP3 and NiP co-immobilised on the NiO surface in the absence of Zr⁴⁺ cations linking dye and catalyst. The generation of H₂ with the NiO|RuP3–Zr⁴⁺–NiP hybrid electrode in pH 3 aqueous electrolyte solution during irradiation with a UV-filtered solar light simulator (λ > 400 nm, 100 mW cm^–2, AM1.5G) has been confirmed by gas chromatography at an underpotential of 300 mV (E_appl = +0.3 V vs. RHE), demonstrating the potential of these electrodes to store solar energy in the chemical bond of H₂.

Photoacidic and Photobasic Behavior of Transition Metal Compounds with Carboxylic Acid Group(s)

Excited state proton transfer studies of six Ru polypyridyl compounds with carboxylic acid/carboxylate group(s) revealed that some were photoacids and some were photobases. The compounds [Ru(II)(btfmb)2(LL)](2+), [Ru(II)(dtb)2(LL)](2+), and [Ru(II)(bpy)2(LL)](2+), where bpy is 2,2'-bipyridine, btfmb is 4,4'-(CF3)2-bpy, and dtb is 4,4'-((CH3)3C)2-bpy, and LL is either dcb = 4,4'-(CO2H)2-bpy or mcb = 4-(CO2H),4'-(CO2Et)-2,2'-bpy, were synthesized and characterized. The compounds exhibited intense metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) absorption bands in the visible region and room temperature photoluminescence (PL) with long τ > 100 ns excited state lifetimes. The mcb compounds had very similar ground state pKa's of 2.31 ± 0.07, and their characterization enabled accurate determination of the two pKa values for the commonly utilized dcb ligand, pKa1 = 2.1 ± 0.1 and pKa2 = 3.0 ± 0.2. Compounds with the btfmb ligand were photoacidic, and the other compounds were photobasic. Transient absorption spectra indicated that btfmb compounds displayed a [Ru(III)(btfmb(-))L2](2+)* localized excited state and a [Ru(III)(dcb(-))L2](2+)* formulation for all the other excited states. Time dependent PL spectral shifts provided the first kinetic data for excited state proton transfer in a transition metal compound. PL titrations, thermochemical cycles, and kinetic analysis (for the mcb compounds) provided self-consistent pKa* values. The ability to make a single ionizable group photobasic or photoacidic through ligand design was unprecedented and was understood based on the orientation of the lowest-lying MLCT excited state dipole relative to the ligand that contained the carboxylic acid group(s).

Theoretical investigation of [Ru(tpy)2]2+, [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(H2O)]2+ and [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(Cl)]+ complexes in acetone revisited: Inclusion of strong spin–orbit couplings to quantum chemistry calculations

In the present paper, we theoretically reinvestigate structural properties, and photo-physical and chemical characteristics and electronic absorption spectra of three kinds of ruthenium polypyridyl complexes [Ru(tpy)[Formula: see text], [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(H2O)][Formula: see text], and [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(Cl)][Formula: see text] complexes in acetone (tpy[Formula: see text]2,2[Formula: see text],2[Formula: see text]-terpyridine and bpy[Formula: see text]2,2[Formula: see text]-bipyridine). In particular, the experimental absorption spectra of these complexes are revisited theoretically in detail and are simulated using the first-order perturbation theory based on time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) where the first-order perturbation term is the spin–orbit (SO) coupling Hamiltonian, and quantum chemistry calculations based on various functionals and basis sets. It was found that in general the theory including SO coupling can reproduce experimental data better than the simple quantum chemistry calculation neglecting SO coupling, which indicates that SO coupling is very important to understand the optical features of these complexes and that therefore the mixing between singlet and triplet states is strong due to the large SO coupling constant of Ru atom involved in these complexes. This suggests the fact that the disagreement between the experimental and calculated absorption spectra was found in TDB3LYP/(SDD with triple-[Formula: see text] for Ru and 6-31G* for others) [Jakubikova EJ et al., Inorg Chem 48:10720, 2009] can be tracked down to the neglect of SO couplings. It was also found that the choice of the DFT functionals and basis sets is crucial for a good theoretical reproduction of experimental data.

Selenorhodamine Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: Influence of Structure and Surface-Anchoring Mode on Aggregation, Persistence, and Photoelectrochemical Performance

A library of six selenorhodamine dyes (4-Se-9-Se) were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated as photosensitizers of TiO2 in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The dyes were constructed around either a bis(julolidyl)- or bis(half-julolidyl)-modified selenoxanthylium core functionalized at the 9-position with a thienyl group bearing a carboxylic, hydroxamic, or phosphonic acid for attachment to TiO2. Absorption bands of solvated dyes 4-Se-9-Se were red-shifted relative to the dimethylamino analogues. The dyes adsorbed to TiO2 as mixtures of monomeric and H-aggregated dyes, which exhibited broadened absorption spectra and increased light-harvesting efficiencies relative to the solvated monomeric dyes. Carboxylic acid-bearing dyes 4-Se and 7-Se initially exhibited the highest incident photon-to-current efficiencies (IPCEs) of 65-80% under monochromatic illumination, but the dyes desorbed rapidly from TiO2 into solutions of HCl (0.1 M) in a CH3CN:H2O mixed solvent (120:1 v:v). The hydroxamic acid- and phosphonic acid-bearing dyes 5-Se, 6-Se, 8-Se, and 9-Se exhibited lower IPCEs (49-65%) immediately after preparation of DSSCs; however, the dyes were vastly more inert on TiO2, and IPCEs decreased only minimally with successive measurements under constant illumination. Power-conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of the selenorhodamine-derived DSSCs were less than 1%, probably due to inefficient regeneration of the dyes following electron injection. For a given anchoring group, the bis(half-julolidyl) dyes exhibited higher open-circuit photovoltages and PCEs than the corresponding bis(julolidyl) dyes. The hydroxamic acid- and phosphonic acid-bearing dyes are intriguing photosensitizers of TiO2 in light of their aggregation-induced spectral broadening, high monochromatic IPCEs, and relative inertness to desorption into acidic media.

Functionalized phosphonates as building units for multi-dimensional homo- and heterometallic 3d–4f inorganic–organic hybrid-materials

Using the multifunctional ligand H₄L (2,2′-bipyridinyl-5,5′-diphosphonic acid), a new family of 0D-3D inorganic–organic hybrid-materials was prepared and characterized by single crystal diffraction and magnetic measurements.

Titania modification with a ruthenium(ii) complex and gold nanoparticles for photocatalytic degradation of organic compounds

Interaction between two kinds of titania modifiers, i.e., a ruthenium complex and gold nanoparticles, influenced the resultant properties and photocatalytic activities of hybrid photocatalysts under UV and/or vis light irradiation.

Synthesis and characterization of ruthenium and rhenium dyes with phosphonate anchoring groups

The synthesis and characterization of new Ru and Re complexes with elongated phosphonate substituents are presented, enabling their immobilization on electrode surfaces.

Ultrafast, Light-Induced Electron Transfer in a Perylene Diimide Chromophore-Donor Assembly on TiO2

Surface-bound, perylenediimide (PDI)-based molecular assemblies have been synthesized on nanocrystalline TiO2 by reaction of a dianhydride with a surface-bound aniline and succinimide bonding. In a second step, the Fe(II) polypyridyl complex [Fe(II)(tpy-PhNH2)2](2+) was added to the outside of the film, also by succinimide bonding. Ultrafast transient absorption measurements in 0.1 M HClO4 reveal that electron injection into TiO2 by (1)PDI* does not occur, but rather leads to the ultrafast formation of the redox-separated pair PDI(•+),PDI(•-), which decays with complex kinetics (τ1 = 0.8 ps, τ2 = 15 ps, and τ3 = 1500 ps). With the added Fe(II) polypyridyl complex, rapid (<25 ps) oxidation of Fe(II) by the PDI(•+),PDI(•-) redox pair occurs to give Fe(III),PDI(•-) persisting for >400 μs in the film environment.

Visible light-driven water oxidation using a covalently-linked molecular catalyst-sensitizer dyad assembled on a TiO2 electrode

The combination of porphyrin as a sensitizer and a ruthenium complex as a water oxidation catalyst (WOC) is promising to exploit highly efficient molecular artificial photosynthetic systems. A covalently-linked ruthenium-based WOC-zinc porphyrin (ZnP) sensitizer dyad was assembled on a TiO₂ electrode for visible-light driven water oxidation. The water oxidation activity was found to be improved in comparison to the reference systems with the simple combination of the individual WOC and ZnP as well as with ZnP solely, demonstrating the advantage of the covalent linking approach over the non-covalent one. More importantly, via vectorial multi-step electron transfer triggered by visible light, the dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cell (DSPEC) achieved a broader PEC response in the visible region than DSPECs with conventional ruthenium-based sensitizers. Initial incident photon-to-current efficiencies of 18% at 424 nm and 6.4% at 564 nm were attained under monochromatic illumination and an external bias of -0.2 V vs. NHE. Fast electron transfer from the WOC to the photogenerated radical cation of the sensitizer through the covalent linkage may suppress undesirable charge recombination, realizing the moderate performance of water oxidation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis of the photoanodes before and after the DSPEC operation suggested that most of the ruthenium species exist at higher oxidation states, implying that the insufficient oxidation potential of the ZnP moiety for further oxidizing the intermediate ruthenium species at the photoanode is at least the bottleneck of the system.

Electron transfer activity of a de novo designed copper center in a three-helix bundle fold

In this work, we characterized the intermolecular electron transfer (ET) properties of a de novo designed metallopeptide using laser-flash photolysis. α3D-CH3 is three helix bundle peptide that was designed to contain a copper ET site that is found in the β-barrel fold of native cupredoxins. The ET activity of Cuα3D-CH3 was determined using five different photosensitizers. By exhibiting a complete depletion of the photo-oxidant and the successive formation of a Cu(II) species at 400 nm, the transient and generated spectra demonstrated an ET transfer reaction between the photo-oxidant and Cu(I)α3D-CH3. This observation illustrated our success in integrating an ET center within a de novo designed scaffold. From the kinetic traces at 400 nm, first-order and bimolecular rate constants of 10(5) s(-1) and 10(8) M(-1) s(-1) were derived. Moreover, a Marcus equation analysis on the rate versus driving force study produced a reorganization energy of 1.1 eV, demonstrating that the helical fold of α3D requires further structural optimization to efficiently perform ET. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Biodesign for Bioenergetics--the design and engineering of electronic transfer cofactors, proteins and protein networks, edited by Ronald L. Koder and J.L. Ross Anderson.

Theoretical studies on the absorption spectra of cis-[Ru(4,4'-COO-2,2'-bpy)2(X)2](4-), (X = NCS, Cl) and panchromatic trans-terpyridyl Ru complexes including strong spin-orbit coupling

In this paper, we theoretically and experimentally investigate the photophysical and chemical characteristics and absorption spectra of various ruthenium complexes in solution used as efficient dye-sensitized solar cells. The target molecules are two well-known complexes, cis-[Ru(4,4'-COO-2,2'-bpy)2(X)2](4-), (X = NCS, Cl) and trans-terpyridyl Ru. The experimental absorption spectra of these molecules, which show strong spin-orbit (SO) coupling, are simulated using first-order perturbation theory based on time-dependent density functional theory and quantum chemistry calculations. It turns out that the theory can simulate the experimental data very well, which indicates that SO coupling is very important and the mixing between singlet and triplet states is strong in these molecules because of the large SO coupling constant of the Ru atom. The exact absorption spectra can only be reproduced by including the perturbation by SO coupling. The physical and chemical differences between cis-[Ru(4,4'-COO-2,2'-bpy)2(X)2](4-), (X = NCS, Cl) and trans-terpyridyl Ru complexes are elucidated by natural bond orbital and natural transition orbital analyses. From these analyses, we have found that the two kinds of Ru complexes are quite different in terms of photoexcitation response and chemical bonding between the central Ru atom and the surrounding ligands.

Electrochemical Instability of Phosphonate-Derivatized, Ruthenium(III) Polypyridyl Complexes on Metal Oxide Surfaces

The oxidative stability of the molecular components of dye-sensitized photoelectrosynthesis cells for solar water splitting remains to be explored systematically. We report here the results of an electrochemical study on the oxidative stability of ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes surface-bound to fluorine-doped tin oxide electrodes in acidic solutions and, to a lesser extent, as a function of pH and solvent with electrochemical monitoring. Desorption occurs for the Ru(II) forms of the surface-bound complexes with oxidation to Ru(III) enhancing both desorption and decomposition. Based on the results of long-term potential hold experiments with cyclic voltammetry monitoring, electrochemical oxidation to Ru(III) results in slow decomposition of the complex by 2,2'-bipyridine ligand loss and aquation and/or anation. A similar pattern of ligand loss was also observed for a known chromophore-catalyst assembly for both electrochemical water oxidation and photoelectrochemical water splitting. Our results are significant in identifying the importance of enhancing chromophore stability, or at least transient stability, in oxidized forms in order to achieve stable performance in aqueous environments in photoelectrochemical devices.

Nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped graphene quantum dots: synthesis from adenosine triphosphate, optical properties, and cellular imaging

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are emerging zero-dimensional materials promising a wide spectrum of applications, particularly, as superior fluorescent reporters for bio-imaging and optical sensing. Heteroatom doping can endow GQDs with new or improved photoluminescence properties. Here, we demonstrate a simple strategy for the synthesis of nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped GQDs from a single biomolecule precursor (adenosine triphosphate - ATP). Such ATP-GQDs exhibit high fluorescence quantum yield, strong two-photon upconversion, small molecular weight, high photostability, and good biocompatibility. Furthermore, transferrin conjugated ATP-GQDs have been used for imaging and real-time tracking of transferrin receptors in live cells.

Post-assembly atomic layer deposition of ultrathin metal-oxide coatings enhances the performance of an organic dye-sensitized solar cell by suppressing dye aggregation

Dye aggregation and concomitant reduction of dye excited-state lifetimes and electron-injection yields constitute a significant mechanism for diminution of light-to-electrical energy conversion efficiencies in many dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). For TiO2-based DSCs prepared with an archetypal donor-acceptor organic dye, (E)-2-cyano-3-(5'-(5''-(p-(diphenylamino)phenyl)-thiophen-2''-yl)thiophen-2'-yl)acrylic acid (OrgD), we find, in part via ultrafast spectroscopy measurements, that postdye-adsorption atomic layer deposition (ALD) of ultrathin layers of either TiO2 or Al2O3 effectively reverses residual aggregation. Notably, the ALD treatment is significantly more effective than the widely used aggregation-inhibiting coadsorbent, chenodeoxycholic acid. Primarily because of reversal of OrgD aggregation, and resulting improved injection yields, ALD post-treatment engenders a 30+% increase in overall energy conversion efficiency. A secondary contributor to increased currents and efficiencies is an ALD-induced attenuation of the rate of interception of injected electrons, resulting in slightly more efficient charge collection.

Fluorescent supramolecular polypseudorotaxane architectures with Ru(ii)/tri(bipyridine) centers as multifunctional DNA reagents

A water-soluble supramolecular polypseudorotaxane was prepared via the host–guest interaction of cucurbit[8]uril and the Ru(bpy)₃ complex with bis-naphthalene groups.

Cyclometalated iridium(iii) complexes of (aryl)ethenyl functionalized 2,2′-bipyridine: synthesis, photophysical properties and trans–cis isomerization behavior

The syntheses and photoinduced trans–cis isomerization behavior of 4,4′-(aryl)ethenyl functionalized 2,2′-bipyridyls and their cyclometalated iridium(iii) complexes have been investigated by NMR and electronic spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography and combined DFT-TDDFT studies.

Synthesis and characterization of an immobilizable photochemical molecular device for H2-generation

The immobilizable photocatalyst (4) was synthesized and successfully applied in visible-light-driven hydrogen-generation experiments, supporting its applicability in photoelectrosynthesis cells.

Carboxy derivatised Ir(iii) complexes: synthesis, electrochemistry, photophysical properties and photocatalytic hydrogen generation

In this contribution the synthesis and characterisation of a series of novel mixed ligand iridium(iii) complexes, functionalised with a carboxy ester or phosphonate groups are reported.

Synthesis and characterization of monometallic rhenium(i) complexes and their application as selective sensors for copper(ii) ions

Monometallic Re(i) complexes, selective and sensitive sensor of Cu(ii) ion, show substantial enhancement in the emission intensity, quantum yield, and lifetime due to the restriction of CN isomerization.

Silatranes for binding inorganic complexes to metal oxide surfaces

Silatranes do not react when synthesizing inorganic complexes and form bonds to metal oxide surfaces that are stable under acidic, neutral, and basic conditions.