Photophysical behavior of zinc monoaminophthalocyanines linked to mercaptopropionic acid-capped CdTe quantum dots

Photosensitizing properties of zinc monoaminophthalocyanine (2) {in the absence or presence of mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs)} were compared with those of mono-aminophenoxy zinc phthalocyanine (3), zinc tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine and zinc phthalocyanine. Complexes 2 and 3 were also linked to the MPA capped CdTe quantum dots through the formation of an amide bond. High triplet state quantum yields were obtained for the linked QD–phthalocyanine derivatives (complexes 2 and 3) compared to when complexes 2 and 3 were mixed with MPA QDs without a chemical bond.

► Zinc monoaminophthalocyanine has been synthesized.
► The new complex was attached to CdTe QDs through an amide bond.
► High triplet yields were obtained for the conjugate.
► Longer triplet lifetimes were observed in DMSO than DMF.