Issue 96, 2015

A general protocol for π-conjugated molecule-based micro/nanospheres: artificial supramolecular antenna in terms of heterogeneous photocatalysis

Abstract

The assembly of π-conjugated molecule-based supramolecular micro/nanostructures is acknowledged as a versatile platform correlating supramolecular chemistry and soft matter science, wherein those with a spherical morphology are a topic of general concern. Most of the existing protocols, however, work only in some specific scenarios. It still remains a formidable challenge to initiate a general protocol for supramolecular micro/nanospheres of desired π-conjugated molecules. We herein report our new findings that numerous porphyrins and some other π-conjugated molecules, including phthalocyanine, anthracene, and naphthalenediimide derivatives, could be assembled to form micro/nanospheres via an oil-in-water-mediated surfactant-assisted assembly. As an example for the functionalization of the as-assembled structures, we show that a supramolecular light-harvesting antenna system with regard to photo-semiconductor-based heterogeneous photocatalysis could be achieved using porphyrin spheres. It is disclosed that the distinct chromophoric arrangements, which endow our porphyrin spheres with different photoinduced electron–hole separation capability, contribute greatly to their superior/inferior catalytic performances. Our new method might initiate a general method for advanced micro/nanospheres of desired π-conjugated molecules and desired functions.

Graphical abstract: A general protocol for π-conjugated molecule-based micro/nanospheres: artificial supramolecular antenna in terms of heterogeneous photocatalysis

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
07 Jul 2015
Accepted
07 Sep 2015
First published
07 Sep 2015

RSC Adv., 2015,5, 78427-78435

Author version available

A general protocol for π-conjugated molecule-based micro/nanospheres: artificial supramolecular antenna in terms of heterogeneous photocatalysis

X. Zhang, Y. Wang, P. Chen, P. Guo and M. Liu, RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 78427 DOI: 10.1039/C5RA13283E

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements