Three-dimensionally interconnected organic nanocomposite thin films: implications for donor–acceptor photovoltaic applications

Abstract

The formation of three-dimensionally interconnected donor–acceptor nanocomposites from copper(II) phthalocyanine tetrasulfonic tetrasodium salt (tsCuPc) and [6,6]-phenyl-C₆₁-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) is reported. Thin films were formed using a multi-step template-directed growth method. The nanocomposites consist of crystalline, continuous and interpenetrating networks of tsCuPc and PCBM with an interfacial area to volume ratio 2–3 times greater than in a planar bilayer structure. This templating strategy allows the formation of engineered nanocomposites for optoelectronic applications whose structural properties can be easily tuned for increased efficiencies.