Enhancement in semiconducting and optical properties in doped anthracene micro crystals

Effect of CuCl2 doping on structural, optical, dielectric and semiconducting behavior of solution grown anthracene crystals has been reported. UV–vis spectra showed a blue shift of various peaks in the range of 350–390 nm. A broad peak around 760 nm of high intensity appeared in Cu2+ doped anthracene. Remarkable increase in dielectric constant and ac conductivity were observed along with a structure related phase transition at 126 °C. Different mechanisms of ac conductivity for the two temperature ranges, typically below and above 60 °C, were reported. A higher dependence of conductivity on temperature above 60 °C established enhanced semiconducting behavior in doped crystals. Change in activation energy has been reported in different temperature regions. In photoluminescence (PL) studies, three strong blue/UV emissions were obtained at 400 nm, 424 nm and 450 nm in both the crystals and a remarkable PL quenching has been observed in the doped anthracene.