Novel photocurrent rectification behaviour for a photoconductive cell using the mesogenic 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-n-pentadecylphenyl)porphyrin

Abstract

A novel photocurrent rectification behaviour associated with mesomorphic phase transitions was found for a symmetrical cell in which the mesogenic 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-n-pentadecylphenyl)porphyrin (C15TPP) was sandwiched between two indium–tin oxide electrodes; the rectification properties shown by the crystalline C15TPP cell disappears in the mesomorphic cell (discotic lamellar phase).