Photoelectrochemical reactions of electrodes modified with composites between conjugated polymer or ruthenium complex and single-walled carbon nanotubes

Composite materials between conjugated polymer; poly[2-methoxy-5-(2'-ethylhexyloxy)-1.4-phenylene vinylene] (MEHPPV), or ruthenium(II)-tris(2,2'-bipyridine) (Ru(bpy)32+)-poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) complex and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were fabricated using polymer wrapping method. Formation of SWNT/MEHPPV or SWNT/PSS/Ru(bpy)32+ composite was confirmed by absorption and fluorescence spectra, and AFM images. Electrode modified with SWNT/MEHPPV or SWNT/PSS/Ru(bpy)32+ composite was prepared by casting from DMF solution of SWNT/MEHPPV or aqueous solution of SWNT/PSS/Ru(bpy)32+. The electrode modified with SWNT/MEHPPV or SWNT/PSS/Ru(bpy)32+ composite showed photocurrent response due to photoexcitation of MEHPPV or Ru(bpy)32+. The photocurrents are ascribed to photoinduced electron-transfer reaction from excited state of MEHPPV or Ru(bpy)32+ to SWNT.