Modification of electrode surfaces for improved photoelectrochemical characteristics

5-amino phenyl (10-15-20) triphenyl porphyrin (NH2P) has been covalently attached to carbon electrode by amide linkage. The cyclic voltammetric behaviour of the modified electrode is comparable to that of polymer coated films [1]. The electrode surface has been modified by calcium montmorilionitrile soaked with porphyrin. A comparative PEC characteristics of these electrodes have been presented. The open-circuit voltage (V-oc) and short-circuit current (I-sc) for the modified carbon electrode were 175 mV and 20 mu A and those for electrode modified by calcium montmorillonitrile were 300 mV and 1.8 mu A. A ten fold increase in photocurrent has been brought about by using a carbon modified electrode.