Conjugated systems of porphyrin–carbon nanoallotropes: a review

Abstract

Porphyrin macromolecules play critical roles in many natural processes. Studies are going on to mimic their role in natural systems and use them in various applications in artificial systems. When a porphyrin moiety is conjugated with carbon nanoallotropes, viz., carbon nanomaterials, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanospheres, etc., the hybrid molecules show optimized properties compared to the pristine molecules. In this review, various mechanisms of conjugating carbon nanoallotropes/carbon nanomaterials and porphyrins through stable chemical bond formation are discussed. The non-covalent interactions which cause their aggregation without disrupting their electronic structures are also discussed. This review also gives vital information on the utilization of conjugated systems effectively for society oriented applications.