Atomic force microscopy investigation of supramolecular self-assembly of the porphyrin nanotubules

Abstract

Structure and morphology of porphyrin aggregates and influence of temperature, microwave and ultraviolet radiation, and acoustic cavitation on aggregation process were investigated using absorption spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. In ambient conditions TPPS 4 forms stick-like J-aggregates with length of 0.05-3 µm, width 22-50 nm and height 4-5 nm. Increased temperature or MW and UV radiation does not influence the aggregates. Acoustic cavitation leads to destruction of stick-shaped aggregates and activates the formation of larger molecular complexes.