Laser Spectroelectrochemistry of a Ruthenium(II) Tris(bipyridyl) Derivative Adsorbed on Graphite Electrodes

The luminescence spectra of laser-excited films of [Ru(bpy)_2pbpy]Cl_2 (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine; pbpy = 4 4'bis(2-(diphenylamino)ethyl)-2,2'-bipyridine) adsorbed on pyrolytic graphite electrode surfaces are reported. The graphite electrode surface is shown to be effective in quenching the excited state and the resulting decay of the luminescence ls analyzed. The intensity of the luminescence from the molecules in the film can be modulated by controlling the potential of the underlying electrode. It is shown that the emitting molecules are in electronic contact with the electrode.