Synthesis and singlet oxygen production by a phthalocyanine when embedded in asymmetric polymer membranes

2(3),9(10),16(17),23(24)-Tetrakis-(4-aminophenoxy)phthalocyaninato indium (III) chloride (ClInTAPPc, 3) was first conjugated to two different polymers: polystyrene (PS) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) to form 3-PS and 3-PAN. The conjugates were cast into the corresponding polymers to form membranes represented as 3-PS-membrane and 3-PAN-membrane, respectively. The prepared membranes were characterized using various techniques including scanning electron microscopy and solid state UV/Vis spectroscopy. Singlet oxygen quantum yields were higher for the 3-PS-membrane at 0.51 compared to 3-PAN-membrane at 0.35. The larger singlet oxygen also applies to 3-PS (0.63) compared to 3-PAN (0.38) when in solution. [Display omitted] •An indium phthalocyanine is conjugated to polystyrene and polyacrylonitrile.•The conjugates were cast into the corresponding polymers to form membranes.•Singlet oxygen quantum yields were higher for polystyrene membranes.