Investigation of optical modulated conductance effects based on a graphene oxide-azobenzene hybrid

An azobenzene (AZO) chromophore was covalently attached to graphene oxide (GO) through an amide linkage. The microstructure of the GO-AZO hybrid was characterized by microscopic and X-ray diffraction methods. An internal short-range ordered crystalline structure similar to graphite was observed. Spectroscopic evidence testified the strong electronic interactions between the AZO and GO in this GO-AZO hybrid system. Upon ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, the AZO moieties bonding on GO underwent a reversible trans-cis photoisomerization behavior. An optical modulated conductance of the GO-AZO film induced by the isomerization of the AZO chromophores was also monitored. The current showed a twofold increase after irradiation of UV light for 20 min. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.