Nanocarbon-chlorophyll hybrids: Self assembly and photoresponse

Non-covalent attachment of light harvesting molecules to carbon nanomaterials has the potential to open up new hybrid nanostructures. By using non-covalent methods, defects are not introduced into the graphitic carbon backbone; therefore, the conductive properties of the supporting carbon are preserved, enabling charge transfer between the molecule and the carbon support. Here we demonstrate that a simple solution mixing process can produce novel, non-covalent hybrids of chlorophyll and two different nanocarbons; carbon nanotubes and graphene platelets, that demonstrate self assembly and charge transfer. These hybrids display a photoresponse even as thin films, and have improved characteristics in the presence of a hydrogel electrolyte.