Preparation and Photophysical Properties of Amide-Linked, Polypyridylruthenium-Derivatized Polystyrene

"Chemistry-on-the-complex": functional RuII polypyridyl-type sensitizers as divergent building blocks

Ruthenium polypyridyl type complexes are potent photoactive compounds, and have found - among others - a broad range of important applications in the fields of biomedical diagnosis and phototherapy, energy conversion schemes such as dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and molecular assemblies for tailored photo-initiated processes. In this regard, the linkage of RuII polypyridyl-type complexes with specific functional moieties is highly desirable to enhance their inherent photophysical properties, e.g., with a targeting function to achieve cell selectivity, or with a dye or redox-active subunits for energy- and electron-transfer. However, the classical approach of performing ligand syntheses first and the formation of Ru complexes in the last steps imposes synthetic limitations with regard to tolerating functional groups or moieties as well as requiring lengthy convergent routes. Alternatively, the diversification of Ru complexes after coordination (termed "chemistry-on-the-complex") provides an elegant complementary approach. In addition to the Click chemistry concept, the rapidly developing synthesis and purification methodologies permit the preparation of Ru conjugates via amidation, alkylation and cross-coupling reactions. In this regard, recent developments in chromatography shifted the limits of purification, e.g., by using new commercialized surface-modified silica gels and automated instrumentation. This review provides detailed insights into applying the "chemistry-on-the-complex" concept, which is believed to stimulate the modular preparation of unpreceded molecular assemblies as well as functional materials based on Ru-based building blocks, including combinatorial approaches.

Polymer-based chromophore-catalyst assemblies for solar energy conversion

The synthesis of polymer-based assemblies for light harvesting has been motivated by the multi-chromophore antennas that play a role in natural photosynthesis for the potential use in solar conversion technologies. This review describes a general strategy for using polymer-based chromophore-catalyst assemblies for solar-driven water oxidation at a photoanode in a dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cell (DSPEC). This report begins with a summary of the synthetic methods and fundamental photophysical studies of light harvesting polychormophores in solution which show these materials can transport excited state energy to an acceptor where charge-separation can occur. In addition, studies describing light harvesting polychromophores containing an anchoring moiety (ionic carboxylate) for covalent bounding to wide band gap mesoporous semiconductor surfaces are summarized to understand the photophysical mechanisms of directional energy flow at the interface. Finally, the performance of polychromophore/catalyst assembly-based photoanodes capable of light-driven water splitting to oxygen and hydrogen in a DSPEC are summarized.

Electrogenerated chemiluminescence of iridium-containing ROMP block copolymer and self-assembled micelles

The electrochemical properties and electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) of an Ir(ppy)2(bpy)(+)-containing ROMP monomer, block copolymer (containing Ir(ppy)2(bpy)(+) complexes, PEG chains, and butyl moieties), and self-assembled micelles were investigated. Following polymerization of the iridium complex, we observed multiple oxidation peaks for the block copolymer in cyclic voltammograms (CV) and differential pulse voltammograms (DPV), suggesting the presence of multiple environments for the iridium complexes along the polymer backbone. The ECL signals from monomer 1 and polymer 2 were reproducible over continuous CV cycles and stable over prolonged potential biases, demonstrating their robustness toward ECL-based detection. Comparison of the ECL signal of the block copolymer, containing multiple iridium complexes attached to the backbone, and the monomeric complex showed enhanced signals for the polymer. In fact, formation and reopening of the self-assembled micelles allowed recovery of the polymer and near complete retention of its original ECL intensity.

Atom transfer radical polymerization preparation and photophysical properties of polypyridylruthenium derivatized polystyrenes

A ruthenium containing polymer featuring a short carbonyl-amino-methylene linker has been prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The polymer was derived from ATRP of the N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) derivative of p-vinylbenzoic acid, followed by an amide coupling reaction of the NHS-polystyrene with Ru(II) complexes derivatized with aminomethyl groups (i.e., [Ru(bpy)2(CH3-bpy-CH2NH2)](2+) where bpy is 2,2'-bipyridine, and CH3-bpy-CH2NH2 is 4-methyl-4'-aminomethyl-2,2'-bipyridine). The Ru-functionalized polymer structure was confirmed by using nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy, and the results suggest that a high loading ratio of polypyridylruthenium chromophores on the polystyrene backbone was achieved. The photophysical properties of the polymer were characterized in solution and in rigid ethylene glycol glasses. In solution, emission quantum yield and lifetime studies reveal that the polymer's metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excited states are quenched relative to a model Ru complex chromophore. In rigid media, the MLCT-ground state band gap and lifetime are both increased relative to solution with time-resolved emission measurements revealing fast energy transfer hopping within the polymer. Molecular dynamics studies of the polymer synthesized here as well as similar model systems with various spatial arrangements of the pendant Ru complex chromophores suggest that the carbonyl-amino-methylene linker probed in our target polymer provides shorter Ru-Ru nearest-neighbor distances leading to an increased Ru*-Ru energy hopping rate, compared to those with longer linkers in counterpart polymers.

[Ru(bpy)3]2+* and other remarkable metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excited states

In 1974, the metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excited state, [Ru(bpy)3]2+*, was shown to undergo electron transfer quenching by methylviologen dication (MV2+), inspiring a new approach to artificial photosynthesis based on molecules, molecular-level phenomena, and a “modular approach”. In the intervening years, application of synthesis, excited-state measurements, and theory to [Ru(bpy)3]2+* and its relatives has had an outsized impact on photochemistry and photophysics. They have provided a basis for exploring the energy gap law for nonradiative decay and the role of molecular vibrations and solvent and medium effects on excited-state properties. Much has been learned about light absorption, excited-state electronic and molecular structure, and excited-state dynamics on timescales from femtoseconds to milliseconds. Excited-state properties and reactivity have been exploited in the investigation of electron and energy transfer in solution, in molecular assemblies, and in derivatized polymers and oligoprolines. An integrated, hybrid approach to solar fuels, based on dye-sensitized photoelectrosynthesis cells (DSPECs), has emerged and is being actively investigated.

Photochemical conversion of solar energy

Energy is the most important issue of the 21st century. About 85% of our energy comes from fossil fuels, a finite resource unevenly distributed beneath the Earth's surface. Reserves of fossil fuels are progressively decreasing, and their continued use produces harmful effects such as pollution that threatens human health and greenhouse gases associated with global warming. Prompt global action to solve the energy crisis is therefore needed. To pursue such an action, we are urged to save energy and to use energy in more efficient ways, but we are also forced to find alternative energy sources, the most convenient of which is solar energy for several reasons. The sun continuously provides the Earth with a huge amount of energy, fairly distributed all over the world. Its enormous potential as a clean, abundant, and economical energy source, however, cannot be exploited unless it is converted into useful forms of energy. This Review starts with a brief description of the mechanism at the basis of the natural photosynthesis and, then, reports the results obtained so far in the field of photochemical conversion of solar energy. The "grand challenge" for chemists is to find a convenient means for artificial conversion of solar energy into fuels. If chemists succeed to create an artificial photosynthetic process, "... life and civilization will continue as long as the sun shines!", as the Italian scientist Giacomo Ciamician forecast almost one hundred years ago.

Functional ruthenium(II)- and iridium(III)-containing polymers for potential electro-optical applications

The need for novel materials with luminescent properties and advanced processing features requires reliable and reproducible synthetic routes for the design of suitable materials, such as e.g. polypyridyl ruthenium(II) and iridium(III)-containing polymers. The most popular ligand for those purposes is the 4,4'-functionalized bipyridine unit. Therefore, several synthetic strategies for the derivatization of the 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine are highlighted, and in particular functionalities, which enable further covalent linkage to polymeric structures, are discussed in this critical review. Subsequently, the different synthetic strategies for the preparation of polymeric metal-complexes are described, either starting from small functionalized complexes (later covalently attached to the polymer), or from macroligands (subsequently coordinated to the metal ions). The designed materials reveal good processing properties using spin coating and inkjet printing, as well as beneficial electro-optical properties for potential thin functional film applications, such as light-emitting electrochemical cells.

On the Quenching of MLCTRe→bpy Luminescence by Cu(II) Species in Re(I) Polymer Micelles

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) studies on acetonitrile solutions of the polymer {[(vpy)2-vpyRe(CO)3bpy] CF3SO3}200 demonstrated that the Re(I) polymer molecules aggregate to form spherical micelles of radius R = 156 nm. Coordination of Cu(II) species to the Re (I) polymer causes a decrease in the micelle radius and a distortion from the spherical shape. Besides, the coordination of Cu(II) species to the {[(vpy)2-vpyRe(CO)3bpy] CF3SO3}200 polymer produces the quenching of the metal to ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excited state by energy transfer processes that are more efficient than those in the quenching of the monomer pyRe(CO)3bpy+ luminescence by Cu(II). Moreover, the kinetics of the quenching by Cu(II) do not follow a Stern-Volmer behavior. Conversely, the quenching of the MLCT luminescence of the Re(I) polymer by the sacrificial electron donor 2,2',2' '-nitrilotriethanol, TEOA, follows a Stern-Volmer kinetics. A comparison is made between the quenching by CuX2 (X = Cl or CF3SO3) and TEOA.

Telechelic poly(ε-caprolactones) with tethered mixed ligand ruthenium(II) chromophores

Well-characterized templates of polymer-forming ligands and their ruthenium tris(α,α′-diimine) initiators were utilized to divergently ring open an ε-caprolactone monomer. The same polymers were also obtained through the synthesis of quinoline and bipyridine diimine ligands incorporating poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) chains. These polymers contain vacant molecular recognition sites, enabling subsequent chelation of these macroligands to metal precursors. Both methods provided telechelic (ε-caprolactone) ruthenium(II)-centered polyesters of various hierarchy. Solution properties and thermal behaviour of such polyesters are described.Key words: redox polymers, poly(ε-caprolactone), telechelics, metal–polymer complexes, macroligands, ring-opening polymerization (ROP).

Ultrafast excited-state energy migration dynamics in an efficient light-harvesting antenna polymer based on Ru(II) and Os(II) polypyridyl complexes

A detailed study of the excited state energy migration dynamics that take place within an assembly of Ru(II) and Os(II) polypyridyl complexes linked together through a polymer backbone is presented. The energy migration process is initiated by the photoexcitation of the metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transition in one of the Ru(II) complexes and terminated by energy transfer to a lower energy Os(II) trap. Energy transfer sensitization of Os(II) can occur in a single step if the excited state is formed adjacent to a trap, or after a series of hops between isoenergetic rutheniums prior to reaching a trap. The dynamics of the energy transfer process are followed by monitoring the growth of Os(II) luminescence at 780 nm. The kinetics of the growth are complex and can be fit by a sum of two exponentials. This kinetic complexity arises both from the presence of a distribution of donor-acceptor distances and the variety of time scales by which Os(II) can be formed. We have augmented the time-resolved experiments with Monte Carlo simulations, which provide insight into the polymer array's structure and at the same time form the basis of a molecular-level description of the energy migration dynamics. The simulations indicate that the most probable Ru-->Os energy transfer time is approximately 400 ps while the time scale for Ru-->Ru hopping is approximately 1-4 ns. The time scale for Ru-->Ru hopping relative to its natural lifetime (1000 ns) suggests that this polymer system could be extended to considerably longer dimensions without an appreciable loss in its overall efficiency.

Separation of positional isomers of oxidation catalyst precursors

A series of polypyridyl ruthenium complexes of the general formula [Ru(tpy)(bpy')Cl]+ where tpy is 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine and bpy' is 4-carboxy-4'-methyl-2,2'-bipyridine (4-CO2H-4'-Mebpy), a proline derviative (4-CO-Pra-(Boc)(OMe)-4'-Mebpy), or 4-((diethoxyphosphinyl)methyl)-4'-methyl-2,2'-bipyridine (4-CH2PO3Et2-4'-Mebpy) are prepared. For each complex, two isomers exist, and these are separated chromatographically. The structure of the hexafluorophosphate salt of cis-[Ru(tpy)(4-CO2H-4'-Mebpy)Cl]+, cis-1, is determined by X-ray crystallography. The salt crystallizes in the monoclinic space group Cc with a = 12.4778(6) A, b = 12.6086(6) A, c = 20.1215(9) A, beta = 107.08200(1) degrees, Z = 4, R = 0.058, and Rw = 0.072. The structures of the remaining complexes are assigned by 1H NMR comparisons with cis-1. The complexes are potentially important precursors for the incorporation of RuIV=O2+ oxidants into polymers or peptides or for their adsorption onto oxide surfaces. Preliminary electrochemical results for the isomers of [Ru(tpy)(4-CH2PO3H2-4'-Mebpy)(H2O)]2+, 4, adsorbed on ITO (In2O3:Sn) surfaces add support to a recently proposed electron-transfer mechanism involving cross-surface proton-coupled electron transfer.

Mimicking the antenna-electron transfer properties of photosynthesis

A molecular assembly based on derivatized polystyrene is described, which mimics both the light-harvesting and energy-conversion steps of photosynthesis. The system is unique in that the two key parts of a photosynthetic system are incorporated in a functional assembly constructed from polypyridine complexes of Ru(II). This system is truly artificial, as none of the components used in construction of the assembly are present in a natural photosynthetic system. Quantitative evaluation of the energy and electron transfer dynamics after transient irradiation by visible light offers important insights into the mechanisms of energy transport and electron transfer that lead to photosynthetic light-to-chemical energy conversion.

Step-scan FTIR time-resolved spectroscopy study of excited-state dipole orientation in soluble metallopolymers

Step-scan FTIR time-resolved spectroscopy (S2FTIR TRS) in acetonitrile-d3 has been used to probe the acceptor ligand in metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excited states of amide-substituted polypyridyl complexes of RuII and in analogues appended to polystyrene. On the basis of ground-to-excited state shifts in v(C = O) of -31 cm-1 for the amide group in [RuII(bpy)2(bpyCONHEt')]2+ (bpyCONHEt' = 4'-methyl-2,2'-bipyridine-4-carboxamide-Et'; Et' = -CH2CH2BzCH2CH3) (1) and in the derivatized polystyrene abbreviated [PS-[CH2-CH2NHCObpy-RuII(bpy)2]20]40+ (3), the excited-state dipole is directed toward the amide-containing pyridyl group in the polymer side chain. Smaller shifts in v(C = O) of -17 cm-1 in [RuII(4,4'-(CONEt2)2bpy)2-(bpyCONHEt')]2+ (2) and in the derivatized polystyrene abbreviated [PS-[CH2CH2NHCObpy-RuII(4,4'-(CONEt2)2bpy)2]20]40+ (4) indicate that the excited-state dipole is directed toward one of the diamide bpy ligands. The nearly identical results for 1 and 3 and for 2 and 4 show that the molecular and electronic structures of the monomer excited states are largely retained in the polymer samples. These conclusions about dipole orientation in the polymers are potentially of importance in understanding intrastrand energy transfer dynamics. The excited-state dipole in 3 is oriented in the direction of the covalent link to the polymer backbone, and toward nearest neighbors. In 4, it is oriented away from the backbone.

One-pot synthesis and characterization of a chromophore--donor--acceptor assembly

The acid-functionalized tris-heteroleptic chromophore--donor--acceptor assembly [RuII(bpyCOOH)(bpyCH2PTZ)(bpyCH2MV2+)](PF6)4]4+ (1) (bpyCOOH = 4'-methyl-2,2'-bipyridine-4-carboxylic acid; bpyCH2PTZ = 10-((4'-methyl-2,2'-bipyridin-4-yl)methyl)phenothiazine; bpyCH2MV2+ = 1-((4'-methyl-2,2'-bipyridin-4-yl)methyl)-1'-methyl- 4,4'-bipyridinediium) was synthesized in a one-pot reaction by careful selection of the order of ligand addition to RuCl2(DMSO)4 (DMSO = dimethyl sulfoxide). The success of this method was based upon separation and isolation of 1 from mixtures containing ligand-scrambled products by cation exchange chromatography. Metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) excitation in acetonitrile at 464 nm was followed by intramolecular electron transfer to give a redox-separated state [RuII(bpyCOOH)(bpyCH2PTZ.+)(bpyCH2MV.+)]4+ with an efficiency of eta RS = 0.35 +/- 0.05.