Cluster-to-cluster charge transfer in a compound with a co-crystallized dye-anchored Ti6 cluster and a classical Ti12 cluster

A new titanium-oxo cluster (TOC) with a co-crystallized dye-anchored Ti6 cluster and a classical Ti12 cluster was isolated. The Ti6 cluster is anchored by mixed dyes of photoactive triphenylamine and catechol. This is the first co-crystallized neutral TOC. TOC (Ti6) to TOC (Ti12) charge transfer was studied using electronic spectra and DFT calculations based on their precise structures. The improved photocurrent response properties of the TOC-modified TiO2 electrode are due to the influence of charge transfer and co-condensation of the Ti6 and Ti12 clusters. The photocurrent response properties of the compound for fructose and glucose were tested.