Synthesis and properties of copper phthalocyanine nanowires

Copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) nanowires were fabricated by organic vapor deposition. The nanowires were studied by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and absorption spectroscopy. The effect of the nature of substrate (glass, Si, indium tin oxide, fluorine doped tin oxide) and its temperature on the morphology and properties of the fabricated nanowires was studied. Deposition of a thin CuPc film before the nanostructure growth ensured high yield of CuPc nanowires for all the substrates except Si. The nanowire size and crystal structure were mainly determined by the substrate temperature, with α-CuPc nanowires obtained at the lowest temperature (∼ 190 °C) and β-CuPc nanowires obtained at higher temperatures (above 200 °C).