The influence of surface proximity on photoswitching activity of stilbene-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene monolayers

Self-assembly of photo-responsive molecules is a robust technology for reversibly tuning the properties of functional materials. Herein, we probed the crucial role of surface-adsorbate interactions on the adsorption geometry of stilbene-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbenes (stilbene-NHCs) monolayers and its impact on surface potential. Stilbene-NHCs on Au film accumulated in a vertical orientation that enabled high photoisomerization efficiency and reversible changes in surface potential. Strong metal-adsorbate interactions led to flat-lying adsorption geometry of stilbene-NHCs on Pt film, which quenched the photo-isomerization influence on surface potential. It is identified that photo-induced response can be optimized by positioning the photo-active group in proximity to weakly-interacting surfaces.

Automated summary

The study investigated the impact of surface-adsorbate interactions on the adsorption geometry of stilbene-NHCs monolayers and its influence on surface potential. It was found that stilbene-NHCs on Au film accumulated in a vertical orientation for high photoisomerization efficiency, while strong metal-adsorbate interactions on Pt film led to a flat-lying adsorption geometry that quenched the photo-induced response.