Assembly of a Zn(II)-porphyrin-bipyridinium dyad and Au-nanoparticle superstructures on conductive surfaces

The unique electronic and optical applications of ordered metal nanoparticles spurred scientific investigations. The arrangement of layered three-dimensional superstructures composed of the bis-bipyridinium-Zn(II)-proto-porphyrin IX as photosensitizer-acceptor dyad and nanosize Au-particles were examined. Intramolecular electron transfer and fast recombination of redox-photoproducts were observed during the photoexcitation of the dyad in an aqueous solution. The conductivity of the samples indicate their potential use as materials in photocells.