Photoinduced intra-molecular energy transfer in a novel zinc (II) phthalocyanine bearing poly (aryl benzyl ether) dendritic substituents

The intra-molecular energy transfer in zinc (II) phthalocyanine bearing poly (aryl benzyl ether) dendritic substituents was studied by steady-state, time-resolved fluorescence and UV/Vis spectroscopy. The light-harvesting ability of this series of novel dendritic phthalocyanines increased with the dendron generation. Intra-molecular energy could be transferred from peripheral dendrons, as donors, to the phthalocyanine core, as an acceptor, during a photo-induced process. The intra-molecular energy transfer quantum yield also increased with the dendron generation. It was as high as 80% for the second generation of this dendritic phthalocyanine. Our study suggests that this novel dendritic phthalocyanine is an effective new energy transmission complex with high efficiency, and could be used as a potential light-harvesting system. - Highlights: ► The intramolecular energy transfer in a novel dendrimer of zinc (II) phthalocyanine was studied. ► Intramolecular energy could be transferred from peripheral dendrons to the phthalocyanine core. ► The light-harvest ability of dendrimer phthalocyanines increased with the dendron generation. ► The efficacy of energy transfer was as high as 80% for the 2nd generation dendritic phthalocyanine.