Extensive photochemical restructuring of molecule-metal surfaces under room light

Chenyang Guo, Philip Benzie, Shu Hu, Bart Nijs, Ermanno Miele, Eoin Elliott, Rakesh Arul, Helen Benjamin, Grzegorz Dziechciarczyk, Reshma R. Rao, Mary P. Ryan and Jeremy J. Baumberg ()
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Chenyang Guo: University of Cambridge
Philip Benzie: University of Cambridge
Shu Hu: University of Cambridge
Bart Nijs: University of Cambridge
Ermanno Miele: University of Cambridge
Eoin Elliott: University of Cambridge
Rakesh Arul: University of Cambridge
Helen Benjamin: Cambridge Display Technology Ltd
Grzegorz Dziechciarczyk: Cambridge Display Technology Ltd
Reshma R. Rao: Imperial College London
Mary P. Ryan: Imperial College London
Jeremy J. Baumberg: University of Cambridge

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract The molecule-metal interface is of paramount importance for many devices and processes, and directly involved in photocatalysis, molecular electronics, nanophotonics, and molecular (bio-)sensing. Here the photostability of this interface is shown to be sensitive even to room light levels for specific molecules and metals. Optical spectroscopy is used to track photoinduced migration of gold atoms when functionalised with different thiolated molecules that form uniform monolayers on Au. Nucleation and growth of characteristic surface metal nanostructures is observed from the light-driven adatoms. By watching the spectral shifts of optical modes from nanoparticles used to precoat these surfaces, we identify processes involved in the photo-migration mechanism and the chemical groups that facilitate it. This photosensitivity of the molecule-metal interface highlights the significance of optically induced surface reconstruction. In some catalytic contexts this can enhance activity, especially utilising atomically dispersed gold. Conversely, in electronic device applications such reconstructions introduce problematic aging effects.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46125-x

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