CuI interlayers in lead phthalocyanine thin films enhance near-infrared light absorption

The insertion of a CuI interlayer improved the preferential alignment of lead phthalocyanine (PbPc) molecules in the monoclinic phase, as demonstrated by x-ray diffraction analysis of ultra-thin (5 nm) and thin (30 nm) PbPc films. CuI triclinic phases were not observed. The improved preferential alignment and crystallinity in the monoclinic phase enhanced near-infrared photon absorption. The power conversion efficiency of a PbPc/C60 planar heterojunction organic photovoltaic device fabricated using the CuI templating layer structure could be improved from 1.3% to 2.5%.