Characterization of photoelectrochemical active intercalation compound of K4Nb6O17 with methylviologen

Intercalation compound of methylviologen into layered niobate K4Nb6O17 · 3H2O was achieved by ion-exchange method. The MV2+-K4Nb6O17 composite material was characterized using SEM, AFM, XRD, IR and element analysis. The photochemical and electrochemical behaviors of the MV2+-K4Nb6O17 hybrid thin film were investigated. The photo excitation of oxygen-present MV2+-K4Nb6O17 thin film with UV light indicated the electron transfer from the niobate layer to MV2+ to form MV+ radical cation and (MV)22+ spin-paired radical cation dimer. The cyclic voltammogram of the MV2+-K4Nb6O17 hybrid thin film exhibited a surface-restricted process of MV2+/MV+ redox reaction and reduction of MV+ to MV0, together with a comproportionation reaction of MV0 which forms (MV)22+ dimer.