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General information

  • Name: CuPc
  • Full name: Copper(II) phthalocyanine
  • CAS number: 147-14-8
  • Chemical formula: C32H16CuN8
  • Molecular weight: 576.08 g/mol
  • Absorption: λmax = 345 nm, 631 nm in DCM
  • Photoluminescence: λmax = 404 nm in film
  • HOMO/LUMO: HOMO ~ 5.2 eV, LUMO ~ 3.5 eV
  • Synonyms: Phthalocyanine blue, Pigment Blue 15
  • Classification: Light-emitting diodes, Hole injection layer materials (HIL), Organometallic, Polymer solar cells, Perovskite solar cells
  • Purity: Sublimed: >99%
  • Melting point: 350 °C, TGA: >430 °C (0.5% weight loss)
  • Appearance: Dark blue needles/powder

CuPC Specification: The Pinnacle of Organic Electronics

The ever-evolving landscape of organic electronics is enriched by a myriad of materials and compounds. Among them, CuPC fully known as Copper(II) phthalocyanine, stands as a cornerstone in the technology stack of organic devices.

Understanding CuPC

CuPC is an organometallic compound characterized by a copper atom at its core, forming a coordination complex with phthalocyanine. This synthetic blue pigment is not only used in paints and dyes but also holds significant value in the realm of organic electronic devices.

Key Features of CuPC

  • Hole Injection Layer Material: CuPC’s electron-rich structure makes it an ideal hole injection layer material in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), enhancing their efficiency and stability.
  • Organometallic Properties: The compound’s organometallic nature contributes to its extensive applications, ranging from polymer solar cells to perovskite solar cells.
  • Photoconductivity and Catalytic Activity: In thin-film form, CuPC is chemically stable and exhibits both catalytic activity and photoconductivity, making it a versatile material in organic photovoltaics (OPV).
  • Applications in Perovskite Solar Cells: CuPC has found applications in inorganic-organic hybrid perovskite solar cells, thanks to its p-type semiconductor behavior.

The Role of CuPC in Contemporary Organic Electronics

In the rapidly evolving field of organic electronics, the quest for materials that deliver superior efficiency, longevity, and energy conservation is relentless. CuPC, distinguished by its organometallic composition and p-type semiconductor characteristics, fulfills these criteria impeccably. Its utilization as a hole injection layer material in light-emitting diodes and its catalytic activity in organic photovoltaics (OPV) make it a material of choice for devices requiring both efficiency and durability.

Conclusion

The organic electronics sector is subject to continuous innovation, necessitating materials that can meet the dual demands of efficiency and durability. CuPC, with its unique coordination complex structure and photoconductive attributes, is well-positioned to significantly influence the trajectory of advancements in organic electronic devices. As scientific research progresses and technological applications broaden, CuPC is expected to find an increasingly diverse range of applications, particularly in organic vacuum-deposited photovoltaics and inorganic-organic hybrid perovskite solar cells.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is CuPc and what is its significance in the chemical and electronics industries?

CuPc, or copper(II) phthalocyanine, is a blue organometallic compound also known as Phthalocyanine Blue or Pigment Blue 15. Thanks to its properties, it is widely used in areas such as industrial pigments, OLED, organic photovoltaics (OPV), and perovskite solar cells (PSC).

What are the physicochemical properties of copper(II) phthalocyanine?

CuPc is characterized by high thermal stability (TGA: >430 °C), sublimed purity >99%, and appears as a dark blue powder or needles. It also has specific optical properties: absorption maxima at 345 nm and 631 nm (in DCM), and photoluminescence maximum at 404 nm (in film).

What is the application of CuPc in organic OLED devices?

Due to its electron-rich structure, CuPc functions as a hole injection layer (HIL) in OLED devices, enhancing their light output, durability, and energy efficiency.

Is CuPc suitable for use in solar cells?

Yes, CuPc serves as a p-type semiconducting material in organic and hybrid solar cells, including perovskite-based technologies. Its photoconductivity and chemical stability make it a valuable component of active layers.

What are the advantages of CuPc as a material in organic electronics?

CuPc stands out as a durable organic semiconductor, ideal for vacuum thin-film deposition. With HOMO ~5.2 eV and LUMO ~3.5 eV, it is compatible with a wide range of organic electronic architectures.

What are other names for this compound?

CuPc is also known as copper(II) phthalocyanine, Pigment Blue 15, or simply CuPc.

Why is CuPc referred to as "Pigment Blue 15"?

It is a commercial name widely used in the dye and pigment industry, describing various crystalline forms of copper(II) phthalocyanine, applied in paints, inks, plastics, and other pigmented materials.

What are the alternative uses of CuPc beyond electronics?

CuPc is used as a stable, durable pigment in coatings, textiles, plastics, and as a catalyst in redox reactions. Its light and thermal resistance make it a versatile material.

Does CuPc exhibit catalytic activity?

Yes, in thin-film form, CuPc shows catalytic activity and photoconductivity, making it useful in sensors and solar energy conversion.

Can copper(II) phthalocyanine be used in modern perovskite technologies?

CuPc is increasingly implemented as a transport layer in hybrid perovskite solar cells, improving stability and energy conversion efficiency.

What are the key advantages of CuPc in advanced functional materials?

CuPc combines high chemical resistance, broad electronic application range, and easy structural modification. It is sublimable, enabling integration into vacuum-based technologies.

Is CuPc available in sublimed form?

Yes, CuPc is offered in a sublimed form with >99% purity by companies such as Noctiluca, ready for use in high-end applications like OLED, OPV, and PSC.

What are the spectral properties of CuPc?

In dichloromethane (DCM), CuPc absorbs light at 345 nm and 631 nm, while its photoluminescence maximum (in film) is observed at 404 nm.

Why is CuPc considered a key material in optoelectronic technology?

Thanks to its coordination structure with a central copper atom, CuPc enables effective charge transport, essential for devices such as OLEDs, OPVs, and optoelectronic sensors.

Can CuPc be ordered commercially?

Yes, CuPc is commercially available in various quantities and purities. Noctiluca offers both research samples and industrial-scale deliveries.

Is CuPc compliant with REACH and RoHS regulations?

Yes, CuPc is a non-toxic, safe-to-use compound that can meet REACH, RoHS, and other environmental standards.

Does CuPc support sustainable development in material technology?

Yes, as an organic semiconducting material, CuPc can be used in low-emission processes, such as the production of flexible solar cells and heavy metal-free OLED components. Its stability and recyclability support the principles of green chemistry.

How does CuPc compare to other HIL materials such as PEDOT:PSS?

CuPc provides greater chemical and thermal stability than PEDOT:PSS, which can be hygroscopic and degrade adjacent layers. In OLED and OPV devices, CuPc often serves as a more stable alternative with better energy level alignment to active layers.

Is copper(II) phthalocyanine suitable for thin-film printing?

Yes, CuPc can be used in inkjet printing, slot-die coating, or roll-to-roll processing, especially when solubility is modified and appropriate solvents are used. This makes it compatible with large-scale printed electronics production.

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