Effect of Heat on the Morphology and Optical Properties of Porphyrin Nanostructures

Porphyrin nanostructures of well-defined shapes were prepared by ionic self-assembly of two oppositely charged porphyrins. These nanostructures were prepared using meso-tetra(4-phenylsulfonic acid) porphyrin, tin (IV) meso-tetra(4-pyridyl)porphyrin dichloride and vanadium (IV) oxide meso-tetra (4-pyridyl)porphyrin. The effect of heat resulted in intense agglomeration and production of porphyrin nanotubes of larger sizes and a greater population. These features of nanoporphyrins structures were observed using transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). UV-VIS absorption spectra of the samples show that those prepared at 70C have intense soret bands, with broadening of J-aggregate bands, when compared with those prepared at room temperature.