Excited-State Dynamics of a Novel Bisimide--C₆₀ Complex

The excited-state dynamics of a bisimide derivative (Z1) and a novel Z1--C₆₀ complex (PSF) has been investigated by means of steady state optical spectroscopies and femtosecond time-resolved absorption spectroscopies. The lifetime of the singlet excited state of Z1 shortens drastically from 2.4ns to 1.7ps upon going from Z1 to PSF, a significant kinetics change is in coincidence with the complete fluorescence quench caused by the C₆₀ attachment. Highly efficient Z1-to-C₆₀ excitation energy transfer which is governed by the mechanism of Z1--C₆₀ electron exchange has been verified for the PSF complex.