Molecular origin of structural defects in the zinc phthalocyanine film

Abstract

Controlling the growth of thin phthalocyanine films is a long-term challenge for science of applied nanomaterials. So, this contribution deals with the films of unsubstituted zinc (ZnPc), seeking to acquire...

Processing Additives for Solution‐Deposited Films of Zinc Phthalocyanine

“…[ 27 ] The use of phase‐imaging AFM allows observing concurrently both grain boundaries and punctiform defects randomly scattered over the ZnPc matter. [ 19 ] As shown below, latent symptoms of the phase separation are also detectable in the ZnPc‐based composites.…”

“…Preparing a uniform ZnPc film requires the thick wetting layer where nanocrystallites could smoothly nucleate and laterally coalesce despite the disordering effect of a solid substrate. [ 19 ] As shown above, the use of BrPy ensures the existence of such a layer. Another merit of this additive is the very narrow particle‐size distribution of lamellas (Figure 2), implying that the BrPy‐assisted crystallization of ZnPc is driven only by the vertical mass transfer.…”

“…An additive of paramount importance is ZnPc ∼ : even 1% thereof suffices to process ZnPc into uniformly crystalline films by conventional spin‐casting. [ 19 ] Moreover, it acts as a solubilizing agent, doubling the limiting concentration of ZnPc in the CyP–DMAP system and allowing one to easily vary the film thickness.…”

“…[ 17,18 ] The latest work has provided a theoretical background for elimination of structural defects by using solution‐processing methods instead of the routine vapor‐phase deposition. [ 19 ] This contribution presents auxiliary additives for the ZnPc solution, seeking to make it suitable for various thin film fabrication techniques. [ 12 ]…”