Multi step energy transfer between three Si_LTL and SiGe_LTL zeolite-loaded dyes

We report a novel potential light-harvesting antenna material constructed with three dyes loaded on two types of zeolite LTL (SiGe_LTL and Si_LTL). Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) occurs from acridine hydrochloride (Ac) to Thionine acetate (Th) via Acriflavine hydrochloride (AF), which acts as an antenna to receive and transfer energy from Ac to Th. We compared multistep FRET systems based on dye-loaded SiGe_LTL paired with an Si_LTL-based system. Our results show that in both cases, FRET efficiency increases with Th loading and decreases with increasing AF loading. Moreover, the zeolite LTL microenvironment causes a red shift in the fluorescence spectra of the three SiGe_LTL-loaded-dyes compared to those of the Si_LTL-based dyes.