Effect of Formation Conditions on the Self-Assembly of Thiacarbocyanine J-Aggregates in Aqueous Solutions and Thin Films
Year: 2026
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: The optical properties of cyanine dye J-aggregates are governed by their supramolecular organization, making control over the aggregation process essential for the development of excitonic nanomaterials. Understanding how environmental parameters influence aggregate formation is therefore crucial for designing photonic and optoelectronic materials with tailored properties.In this work, the influence of formation conditions on the morphology and optical properties of TCC aggregates in aqueous solutions and thin films is systematically investigated. The aggregation environment strongly influenced the supramolecular organization and optical properties of TCC J-aggregates in both aqueous solutions and LbL films. Confocal microscopy revealed predominantly filamentous aggregates in aqueous solution, whereas increasing the ionic strength promoted the formation of denser aggregate assemblies. Acidification of the solution resulted in compact island-like structures with a markedly different morphology. These structural features were preserved after LbL deposition, demonstrating that the morphology formed in solution determines the architecture of the resulting films. While the J-band position remained nearly unchanged, its intensity and fluorescence increased for films prepared from NaCl and acidic solutions compared with the water sample, indicating that the aggregation conditions modify both the structural organization and radiative properties of TCC J-aggregates.The results demonstrate that pH, ionic strength, and LbL fabrication conditions provide effective tools for directing the self-assembly of TCC J-aggregates and tailoring their morphology. Controlled manipulation of the aggregation pathway offers a versatile strategy for designing excitonic nanostructures with tunable optical properties for photonic and optoelectronic applications.
Institution: Institute for Scintillation Materials
Language: English
Subfield: Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7225714031