Light energy conversion with pheophytin a monolayer at the SnO₂ optically transparent electrode

The photoelectrochemical, absorption and fluorescence properties of pheophytin a mono- and multilayers, deposited on optically transparent tin oxide electrodes and quartz slides were investigated. Spectra of photocurrents coincided with the absorption spectra of photosynthetic pigment in monolayers at the SnO₂/solution interfaces. The anodic and cathodic photocurrents were measured at various electrode potentials. Effects of pH, electrode potentials, and concentration of redox reagents on the conversion of solar energy in monolayers on optically transparent electrodes are discussed. The absorption and fluorescence spectral characteristics, and fluorescence lifetime measurements of pheophytin a in monolayers and thin films are also discussed in view of the aggregation properties of the photosynthetic pigment. The thermodynamics of adsorption of large amphiphilic compounds at the interface between two immiscible liquids is considered. The adsorption behavior of pheophytin a dissolved in different solvents is investigated. The thermodynamic parameters of pheophytin a adsorption at octane/water and benzene/water interfaces were determined.