Laser-induced graphene functionalized cationic porphyrin: fabrication, characterization, and intrasupramolecular electron transfer process†

We report herein a facile synthesis, characterization, and the electron transfer reaction of a novel light-harvesting material composed of laser-induced graphene (LIG) functionalized with the photoactive 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-trimethylammoniophenyl)porphyrin tetra(p-toluenesulfonate) dye (TTMAPP). LIG was easily fabricated on the surface of a polyimide sheet using VersaLASER 3.6 (VLS 3.6 DT), this method has the advantages of being a simple one-step process and eliminating the impacts of solvents, high-temperature, etc. The structural and morphological characterization of the LIG@TTMAPP composite was investigated using various techniques. The steady-state absorption studies showed clearly the successful self-assembly of the TTMAPP dye over the surface of LIG forming the stable LIG@TTMAPP composite. The fluorescence studies showed the occurrence of the intramolecular electron transfer reaction from TTMAPP to LIG. Based on fluorescence lifetime measurements, the rate and efficiency of the electron transfer were determined to be 1.32 × 109 s −1 and 95%, respectively. The findings that the examined LIG@TTMAPP composite exhibited a facile synthesis, absorbing the light in a wide range of the solar spectrum, with good stability, fast and efficient electron transfer process in an aqueous solution render it as a potential candidate for optical and optoelectronic applications.