One-Dimensional Phthalocyanine Nanostructures Directed by Gold Templates

We show that the growth of one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures of different phthalocyanine derivatives (CuPcH16, CoPcH16, CuPcF16, and CoPcF16) can be directed by templates of gold nanoparticles with precise localization and uniform widths. Furthermore, it is observed that this process is exclusive for the phthalocyanine compounds. High resolution transmission electron microscopy discloses that the 1D architectures are monocrystalline. The role of the gold morphology is elucidated, and it is demonstrated that 1D organization of phthalocyanine derivatives can also be promoted by gold films if sufficiently small crystalline grains are present.