Fernando Fernandez-Lazaro

Abstract:

Perylenediimides (PDIs) are highly stable and versatile dyes, which have been widely used as electron-acceptor moieties in the construction of systems for artificial photosynthesis or for optoelectronic applications, including solar cells [1].
On the other hand, azobenzenes are very well-known molecules, characterized by its photoinduced trans-cis isomerization process, which is reversible either by light (with a different wavelength from that of the initial reaction) or thermally in the dark. This property, together with their photostability, turns them into ideal entities for various molecular devices, specifically as light triggered switches [2].
Recently, we have initiated the photophysical study of PDI-azobenzene ensembles obtaining exciting results [3]. Herein, we will present the extension of these studies to include phthalocyanines into the equation, as they are robust materials with excellent electron donor characteristics [4].