Issue 43, 2009

Reversible photochromic effect and electrochemical voltage driven by light-induced Bi0-formation

Abstract

BiCl3-solutions in high-boiling alcohols show a remarkable light-sensitivity accompanied by a photochromic effect as well as a substantial electrochemical voltage. Moreover, both effects are reversible on a minute's timescale. Light exposure of transparent, colorless BiCl3-solutions in diethylene glycol leads to an intensive blackening. This photochromic effect is validated as a photocatalytic reduction of Bi3+ to Bi0 nanoparticles as well as an oxidation of the alcoholic solvent. The black suspension can be reversed to a clear solution by contact with air, and thus re-oxidation and dissolution of the nanoparticles. Reversible light absorption/blackening and air-oxidation/decolorization are quantified by UV-Vis spectra. In addition to the photochromic effect, the light-induced redox-process allows a simple electrochemical cell to be established. Herein, a significant electrochemical voltage is measured that indicates the intensity as well as the incidence of the incoming light.

Graphical abstract: Reversible photochromic effect and electrochemical voltage driven by light-induced Bi0-formation

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
08 Apr 2009
Accepted
22 Jul 2009
First published
17 Sep 2009

J. Mater. Chem., 2009,19, 8107-8111

Reversible photochromic effect and electrochemical voltage driven by light-induced Bi0-formation

A. Luz and C. Feldmann, J. Mater. Chem., 2009, 19, 8107 DOI: 10.1039/B907146F

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