Ultrafast Relaxation Dynamics in Zinc Tetraphenylporphyrin Surface-Mounted Metal Organic Framework

Ordered porphyrin-based metal organic frameworks (MOFs) may serve as a model for mimicking the natural photosynthesis with highly ordered chlorophylls, i.e., porphyrin-like chromophores. Study of light harvesting and energy transfer as the primary event of photosynthesis is of great importance leading to improvement of photovoltaics overall performance. Detailed characterization of ultrafast dynamics of zinc tetraphenylporphyrin (ZnTPP) surface mounted metal organic framework (SURMOF) is reported by using various steady-state and time-resolved laser spectroscopic techniques, i.e., time correlated single photon counting, fluorescence up-conversion and transient absorption pump-probe with 20 fs resolution. Obtained results in these nanoporous materials were compared with corresponding results for ZnTPP in ethanol measured under the same conditions. Dramatic quenching of both upper excited singlet state S-2 and first excited state SI was observed. Subpicosecond and picosecond lifetimes were detected in transient fluorescence and absorption. Analytical formulas are derived for the linear absorption, steady-state fluorescence, and fluorescence up-conversion signals. Theoretical description excellently reproduces experimental time and frequency resolved signals. Strong quenching of the femtosecond transients in SURMOF is explained in terms of highly efficient Forster resonance energy transfer between the neighboring porphyrin moieties which is caused by a strong spectral overlap of absorption and steady-state fluorescence spectra and quantum coherent energy transfer and redistribution.