Abstract

Langmuir–Blodgett films containing 1 mol% 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)porphyrin (TBP) and its zinc(II) complex (ZnTBP) in a suitable matrix were prepared in an attempt to build a molecular-scale device capable of vectorial photoinduced electron transfer. The films were studied by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies, and by the time-resolved measurement of Maxwell displacement charge (TRMDC) across the film. The latter experiments showed that photoinduced electron transfer takes place in the films and that its macroscopic direction can be controlled by the molecular orientation. The TRMDC signals were unusually long-lived.