Supramolecular assemblies for molecular scale information transport processes

Abstract

The increasing interest in miniaturization of electronic components has stimulated research on supramolecular assemblies wlth device-like functionalities. This article explores some of the interesting aspects of porphyrin assemblies beginning with the desirable attributes of basic porphyrin core such as its response to photons of different frequencies and its reactivity at the electrode surface. The careful design and synthesis of covalently linked nanoscopic molecular assemblies consisting of three or four porphyrin units are described. The critical choice of the different porphyrin units in the assembly depend on the desired functionality, viz. molecular wire, charge-storage device or optoelectronic device. The presence of redox distinct porphyrin units in the assemblies confers wire- or charge- storage-like functionalities and of spectrally instinct porphyrin units in the assembly leads to optoelectronic devices. It is shows that a judicious combination of both these features can be incorporated into the molecular assembly that displays optoelectronic device-like functionalities. These studies provide insight into the creation of molecular systems of nanoscopic dimensions with properties and functions determined by their electronic structures.