Template directed synthesis of nanostructured phthalocyanine thin films

Nanosphere templating is used to prepare three-dimensionally orderedmacroporous copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) thin films. The films consist of large domains that exhibit a well-defined 3D interconnected network of pores. We show that the films can be grown on a range of substrates including glass, glass coated with indium tin oxide (ITO), and substrates pre-coated with a continuous 2D CuPc layer. The results demonstrate that controlled nanostructuring of molecular materials is possible, and open up exciting possibilities for applications in areas such as organic photovoltaics.