Electrodeposition of lithium phthalocyanine thin films: Part I. Structure and morphology

A new thin film synthesis route based on the electrochemical oxidation of PcLi2 and deposition of lithium phthalocyanine (PcLi) onto indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate is demonstrated. The effects on the thin film morphology of various parameters such as the electrolysis time, the nature of the solvent, and the oxidation potential are investigated. The thin film growth is studied via x-ray diffraction, potential step experiments, and ex situ scanning electron microscopy. Various morphologies of the x-form thin films are observed for different electrolysis times and solvents. Thin films grown in acetonitrile of thickness above 1 μm consist in unidirectionally oriented needle-shaped crystallites.