Different Interactions between Isomeric Tetrakis-(N-Hexadecylpyridiniumyl) Porphyrins and CdS Nanoparticles

Abstract

Using porphyrin amphiphiles TC16PyP(2), TC16PyP(3), and TC16PyP(4) as photosensitizers, the interaction between amphiphilic porphyrins and colloidal CdS nanoparticles was studied by observing their absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra, and fluorescence lifetimes. The experimental results reveal that upon addition of CdS nanoparticles to a TC16PyP(3) or TC16PyP(4) solution, TC16PyP(3) or TC16PyP(4) is adsorbed onto the surface of the colloidal nanoparticles due to electrostatic action. The absorption spectra display the characteristic absorption of metalloporphyrin. Moreover, this adsorption also leads to red-shifted fluorescence spectra and the quenching of fluorescence emission. These changes are related to the formation of complexes. Nearly 90% of the fluorescence emission of 5×10−6 mol/L TC16PyP(4) can be quenched with 6.8×10−4 mol/L CdS colloid nanoparticles. Only 60% of the fluorescence emission of 5×10−6 mol/L TC16PyP(3) can be quenched with 6.8×10−4 mol/L CdS nanoparticles. The fluorescence quenching is attributable mainly to static quenching. According to the fluorescence quenching curves, the apparent association constants of TC16PyP(4) and TC16PyP(3) with colloidal CdS nanoparticles are 1.42×103 (mol/L)−1 and 6.76×102 (mol/L)−1, respectively. However, TC16PyP(2) does not adsorb onto the surface of colloid nanoparticles due to its larger steric hindrance; its absorption and fluorescence spectra are unchanged.