Sol-gel reaction of porphyrin-based superstructures in the organogel phase: creation of mechanically reinforced porphyrin hybrids.

We have demonstrated that a one-dimensional molecular assembly created by an H-aggregated porphyrin.Cu(II) stack can be immobilized, without a morphological change, by sol-gel polycondensation of the peripheral triethoxysilyl groups. The resultant gel prepared according to this flowchart has gained a very high thermal stability as well as a unique mechanical strength.