Spectroscopic and Photoelectrochemical Study of Sensitized Layered Niobate K₄Nb₆O₁₇

Abstract

Different spectroscopic and photoelectrochemical behaviors were observed when racemic and enantiomeric [Ru(bpy)3]2+ complexes were intercalated in the interlayer of K4Nb6O17, even for the same intercalation amount. The results are interpreted in terms of the stronger interaction between racemic [Ru(bpy)3]2+ molecules in the interlayer spaces of K4Nb6O17. The faster emission decay and lower photocurrent of the racemic [Ru(bpy)3]2+−K4Nb6O17 compound compared to the enantiomeric ones suggest that stronger concentration quenching exists between the racemic [Ru(bpy)3]2+ ions in the interlayer of K4Nb6O17. Combining the spectroscopic and photoelectrochemical results, the racemic [Ru(bpy)3]2+ ions are considered to intercalate more densely than the enantiomeric [Ru(bpy)3]2+ ions in the interlayer of K4Nb6O17, even for the same intercalation amount. Two cationic dyes were also directly intercalated into K4Nb6O17. The spectroscopic and photoelectrochemical behaviors of the dye−K4Nb6O17 compounds were investigated.