Affiliation: | 1. Department of Chemistry, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 5969, Safat 13060, Kuwait;2. Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability (NanoWS) Research Unit, College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET), University of South Africa, Cnr Christiaan De Wet and Pioneer Avenue, Florida, Roodepoort 1709, South Africa;3. Department of Chemistry, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS 902-993-0017, Canada |
Abstract: | Phthalocyanine (Pc) complexes are an important class of dyes with numerous (e.g., biological, photophysical, and analytical) applications. Among the methods used to improve the properties of these complexes, one should mention the introduction of different substituents, variation of the central metal ion, ligand exchange, and conjugation to nanomaterials (e.g., carbon-based nanomaterials and metal nanoparticles (NPs)). This work briefly reviews Pc complex conjugation to Ag and Au NPs, highlights the different NP shapes, and discusses the diversity of conjugation approaches. Moreover, the use of UV–Vis spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, dynamic light scattering and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to characterize Pc-NP hybrids is summarized. The effect of conjugation on Pc photo-physicochemical properties (fluorescence, singlet oxygen generation, triplet state formation, and optical limiting behavior) is discussed, and future perspectives for the synthesis and applications of new hybrids are provided. |