XPS study of stilbazolium chromophores and their intercalation compounds in the MnPS3 layered phase

XPS spectra of a series of iodide salts of stilbazolium-type cations were r ecorded at the N1s core level. Analysis of the spectra, supported by ab ini tio calculations, revealed a great sensitivity of the charge distribution o n the central part of the chromophores and a strong donor-acceptor intramol ecular charge transfer leading to unusually intense shake-up satellite peak s. After intercalation in the MnPS3 layered phase, the XPS spectra of the c hromophores showed a perturbation of their electronic distribution, this ef fect being especially significant for those containing a central imine doub le bond. These results are consistent with previous studies concerning the formation of stilbazolium J-aggregates in the interlamellar space of the ho st lattice.