Orientation-induced redox transformations in Langmuir monolayers of double-decker cerium bis[tetra-(15-crown-5)-phthalocyaninate] and multistability of its Langmuir-Blodgett films

Abstract

The spectral, electrochemical, and optical properties of Langmuir-Blodgett films (LBFs) and cast films from a solution of new double-decker cerium bis[tetra-(15-crown-5)-phthalocyaninate] (Ce(R4Pc)2) are studied. Based on analysis of compression isotherms and quantum-chemical calculations, schemes of the organization of Ce(R4Pc)2 molecules at different states of its monolayers are proposed. Correlation dependences are determined in order to relate the optical and electrochemical characteristics of monolayers and LBFs of sandwich-type lanthanide phthalocyaninates to the ionic radii of their metal centers. The valent state of Ce ions in a monolayer-forming complex is determined, and a sequence of redox transformations occurring in LBF uppon appliance of a potential is proposed, one of the transformations being associated with the Ce3+/Ce4+ redox transition. Orientation-induced intramolecular electron transfer is revealed in the planar supramolecular system. It is shown that, during the formation of a monolayer from a Ce(R4Pc)2 solution, a tetravalent metal center passes to a trivalent state. Monolayer compression to a high surface pressure reverts the complex to the electronic state typical of the solution. The reversible transformations observed upon the monolayer compression result from intramolecular electron transfer from the 4f-orbital of Ce to the phthalocyanine ring and backwards. The high operation rate and the reversibility of switching between the stable states, which are determined by means of the surface plasmon resonance technique, upon a stepwise change in the electrode potential within the range of 200–850 mV may underlie the development of optoelectronic systems. With a large number of molecules in a stacking aggregate, changes in the distance between the decks of the complex that occur with changes in the oxidation level of the metal center can substantially modulate the sizes of molecular ensembles. A supramolecular device capable of performing mechanical work can be developed based on this effect.