Porphyrin nanorods-polymer composites for solar radiation harvesting applications

Abstract

The interest in exploring porphyrin-based nanostructures for artificial solar radiation harvesting stems from their structural similarity to chlorophylls. In nature, the precise organization and orientation of the chlorophylls result in efficient absorption of light energy. Inspired by these naturally occurring architectures relevant optical studies including the dynamics of intermolecular and intra-molecular processes of the porphyrin nanorods were investigated. The design of artificial light harvesting systems requires several key factors, such as absorption in the UV-visible and nearinfrared wavelengths, energy transfer ability and the selection of light absorbing pigments. Another key factor is the organizational structure through which the components will interact. We attempted to accomplish this by incorporating porphyrin nanorods into polymer matrices and this will also aid in achieving an arrangement where they can be directly used as devices. The nanorods were embedded in a polymeric matrix, using latex technology and electrospinning which gave the possibility of investigating the orientation of nanorods in the polymer. Spectroscopic and microscopic studies were conducted to investigate the optical and morphological properties of the porphyrin nanorods-polymer composites for applications in artificial solar radiation harvesting systems.

A precursor-approach in constructing 3D ITO electrodes for the improved performance of photosystem I-cyt c photobioelectrodes

“…two redox-active reactants). 69,70 It has been demonstrated, that at distances below 1 nm tunnelling between electroactive species becomes highly probable. [70][71][72][73][74] Moreover, the reorganization energy of the participating molecules is crucial and reflects structural rigidity of the two species and thus, the eagerness to exchange electrons: the lower the reorganization energy of participants in an electrochemical event is, the higher is k ET .…”

Cooperative self-assembly of porphyrins with polymers possessing bioactive functions

“…[20][21][22] Such polymeric assemblies with novel architectures and morphologies have proved to be efficient to construct porphyrin-based nano-composites. 23 Structurally, the single-site or multi-site cooperative binding of porphyrins with polymers can influence the form of porphyrin molecules and change the conformation of polymers. 24 Functionally, the polymeric assembly provides a hydrophobic microenvironment and a hydrophilic periphery for the porphyrin, and further enhances its stability in a biological environment.…”