Solid state fluorescence of a 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic diimide derivative encapsulated in the pores of mesoporous silica MCM-41

This work describes the encapsulation of N,N′-bis(2-phosphonoethyl)-3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic diimide (PPDI), a water-soluble perylene dye, in the channels of mesoporous silica MCM-41. The incorporation of the dye was achieved by stirring MCM-41 with aqueous solutions of PPDI. The solid material obtained by this process exhibited a red fluorescence. Diffuse reflectance and emission spectra of the fluorescent powder suggested a highly organized arrangement with the PPDI molecules self-assembled in a 1D stack inside the channels of the mesoporous silica. The new materials described here have potential applications as nanoscale optoelectronic devices, such as conducting nanowires and fluorescent gas sensors.