A Simple Dyad Exhibiting Microsecond Charge-Separation in Non-Polar Solvents

A simple photovoltaic device in which two chromophoric components are assembled by Zn–N coordination yields a charge-separated state with microsecond lifetime upon photoexcitation in non-polar solvents. Characterization of the electron transfer dynamics using time-resolved fluorescence and transient absorption spectroscopy suggests that the unusual longevity is due to charge recombination occurring between states with different electron spin character. Control of electron spin may provide a novel paradigm for optimizing light-induced charge-separation processes