Zinc porphyrin-functionalized fullerene [C60] derivatives have been synthesized and used to prepare titania-based composites. The electrochemical properties and HOMO and LUMO levels of the photosensitizers were determined by electrochemical measurements. Raman and IR techniques were used to study chemical groups present on the titania surface. Absorption properties of the composites were measured in the solid state by diffuse reflectance UV-Vis spectra (DRS). The zeta potential and aggregate sizes were determined using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and electrophoretic light scattering (ELS) techniques. Surface areas were estimated based on Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) isotherms. The photocatalytic activity of the photocatalysts was tested using two model pollutants, phenol and methylene blue. The composite with the highest photocatalytic potential (1/TiO2) was used for river and wastewater remediation. The photodegradation intermediates were identified by LC-UV/Vis-MS/MS techniques.

Zinc(II), copper(II) and cobalt(II) metallated porphyrins/phthalocyanines and bis(4-pyridyl) pyrrolidinofullerene (9) were used in a supramolecular approach for the sensitization of titania. Spectral properties of the chromophores were examined in the solid state showing strong absorptions at 700 and 800 nm for porphyrins and phthalocyanines, respectively. The interaction between the chromophores and a dual ligand was investigated spectroscopically. Titania-based composites sensitized with 9 and cobaltous porphyrin exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity against both phenol and methylene blue under solar irradiation. Photodegradation intermediates were determined based on LC-UV-Vis-MS analysis. It is expected that the composites will be applied for remediation of aqueous environmental samples from transparent and colorful pollutants.[a] Dr.

Zinc porphyrin-functionalized fullerene [C60] derivatives have been synthesized and usedto prepare titania-based composites. The electrochemical properties and HOMO andLUMO levels of the photosensitizers were determined by electrochemical measurements.Raman and IR techniques were used to study chemical groups present on the titaniasurface. Absorption properties of the composites were measured in the solid state bydiffuse reflectance UV-Vis spectra (DRS).