Photoelectric response of a bilayer lipid membrane doped with an azo pyridinium compound containing a rare-earth-metal complex

Abstract

A highly photoactive bilayer lipid membrane (BLM) doped with a new azopyridinium with a large lanthanide complex counterion has been studied. The light intensity of irradiation, the concentration of the azopyridinium compound in the BLM, the concentration of acceptor and the applied voltage are all limiting factors of the photocurrent. Tautomerization of the azopyridinium compound takes place under irradiation. The mechanism for photoelectric effect of the titled BLM system has also been proposed.