Vectorial Electron Relay at ITO Electrodes Modified with Self‐Assembled Monolayers of Ferrocene–Porphyrin–Fullerene Triads and Porphyrin–Fullerene Dyads for Molecular Photovoltaic Devices

Abstract

Systematic series of indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes modified covalently with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of ferrocene-porphyrin-fullerene triads and porphyrin-fullerene dyads were designed to gain valuable insight into the development of molecular photovoltaic devices. The structures of SAMs on ITO have been investigated by UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The photoelectrochemical and photophysical (fluorescence lifetime and time-resolved transient absorption) properties were also determined. The highest quantum yield of photocurrent generation (11 %) among donor-acceptor linked systems which are covalently attached to the surface of ITO electrodes was achieved with SAMs of ferrocene-zinc porphyrin-fullerene linked triad on ITO electrodes. The quantum yields of photocurrent generation correlate well with the charge-separation efficiency and the lifetime of the charge-separated state of the porphyrin-fullerene linked systems in solution. These results provide valuable information for the construction of photonic molecular devices and artificial photosynthetic systems on ITO electrodes.