Bioinspired detection of light using a porphyrin-sensitized single-wall nanotube field effect transistor.
Single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) field effect transistors (FETs), functionalized noncovalently with a zinc porphyrin derivative, were used to directly detect a photoinduced electron transfer (PET) within a donor/acceptor (D/A) system. We report here that the SWNTs act as the electron donor and the porphyrin molecules as the electron acceptor. The magnitude of the PET was measured to be a function of both the wavelength and intensity of applied light, with a maximum value of 0.37 electrons per porphyrin for light at 420 nm and 100 W/m2. A complete understanding of the photophysics of this D/A system is necessary, as it may form the basis for applications in artificial photosynthesis and alternative energy sources such as solar cells.
Hecht
David S
DS
Department of Physics, California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA.
Ramirez
Robert J A
RJ
Briman
Mikhail
M
Artukovic
Erika
E
Chichak
Kelly S
KS
Stoddart
J Fraser
JF
Grüner
George
G
D032701:Biomimetics / Q000379:methods*; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D008027:Light; D008422:Materials Testing; D043942:Nanotubes / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010777:Photochemistry / Q000379:methods*; D010788:Photosynthesis; D011166:Porphyrins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D014159:Transducers; D014173:Transistors, Electronic
D011166:Porphyrins