Reversible photoisomerization of an azobenzene-functionalized self-assembled monolayer probed by sum-frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy

Sum-frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy is employed to investigate the reversible, photoinduced trans/cis isomerization of an azobenzene-functionalized self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on a gold substrate. A C[triple bond]N marker group at the outer phenyl ring is used as a direct measure of the switching state. The azobenzene unit is connected to the surface by a tripodal linker system with an adamantane core, which results in both a sufficient decoupling of the functional azobenzene unit from the metallic substrate and a free volume to prevent steric hindrance, thus allowing the isomerization process. Optical excitation at 405 nm induces the trans-->cis isomerization, whereas light exposure at 470 nm leads to the back reaction. The effective cross sections for the reactions are sigma(eff)(cis) = 4 +/- 1 x 10(-18) cm(2) at 405 nm (trans-->cis) and sigma(eff)(trans) = 2.5 +/- 0.9 x 10(-19) cm(2) at 470 nm (cis-->trans). We propose that the photoisomerization is driven by a direct (intramolecular) electronic excitation of the azobenzene conjugate, analogous to the free molecules in solution.