Spectral Properties and Possibilities of meso-Substituted BODIPY Usage in Sol-Gel Process and Materials

Hybrid materials based on organically modified silica with immobilized boron-dipyrrins (BODIPY) dyes were obtained. Spectral characteristics of the dyes were measured during the matrix formation and in obtained materials. It was stated, that immobilization does not affect the character of the absorption and fluorescence spectra of the dye, but due to the effect of fluorescent molecular rotor observed for meso-substituted BODIPY, the fluorescent quantum yields were found to increase during the matrix sealing. Quantum yield increase is linear for all of the investigated matrices except phenyl-substituted one, where the π-π interactions of the dye molecule with matrix could be observed. This effect could be used for fine control of the matrix formation process and leads to increase of the dye emission in the final material for further practical applications. All obtained hybrid materials were found to be stable upon UV light irradiation, hence immobilization enhance the stability of the dye in comparison with the BODIPY in organic solvents.