Porphyrin-Nanocarbon Complexes to Control the Photodegradation of Rhodamine

Porphyrin-nanocarbon systems were used to generate a photocatalyst for the control of rhodamine B and rhodamine 6G photodegradation. Carboxylic functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (o-MWCNTs) were decorated by two different porphyrin moieties: 5-(4-aminophenyl)-10,15,20-(triphenyl)porphyrin (aTPP) with an amine linker and 5-(4-carboxyphenyl)-10,15,20-(triphenyl)porphyrin (cTPP) with a carboxyl linker to the o-MWCNT, respectively, with their photocatalyst performances investigated. The optical properties of the mixed nanocomposite materials were investigated to reveal the intrinsic energy levels and mechanisms of degradation. The charge-transfer states of the o-MWCNTs were directly correlated with the performance of the complexes as well as the affinity of the porphyrin moiety to the o-MWCNT anchor, thus extending our understanding of energy-transfer kinetics in porphyrin-CNT systems. Both a-TPP and c-TPP o-MWCNT complexes offered improved photocatalytic performance for both RhB and Rh6G compared to the reference o-MWCNTs and both porphyrins in isolated form. The photocatalytic performance improved with higher concentration of o-MWCNTs in the complexed sample, indicating the presence of greater numbers of -H/-OH groups necessary to more efficient photodegradation. The large presence of the -H/-OH group in the complexes was expected and was related to the functionalization of the o-MWCNTs needed for high porphyrin attachment. However, the photocatalytic efficiency was affected at higher o-MWCNT concentrations due to the decomposition of the porphyrins and changes to the size of the CNT agglomerates, thus reducing the surface area of the reactant. These findings demonstrate a system that displays solar-based degradation of rhodamine moieties that are on par, or an improvement to, state-of-the-art organic systems.

Automated summary

Porphyrin-nanocarbon systems were used to generate a photocatalyst for the control of rhodamine B and rhodamine 6G photodegradation. The photocatalytic performance of the porphyrin-CNT complexes was investigated and found to be improved compared to reference o-MWCNTs and isolated porphyrins. The presence of -H/-OH groups in the complexes was crucial for efficient photodegradation, but high concentrations of o-MWCNTs affected the efficiency due to decomposition of porphyrins and changes in CNT agglomerate size. This study demonstrates a solar-based degradation system that is on par or better than state-of-the-art organic systems.