Properties of hybrid organic-inorganic systems: Au nanoparticles embedded into an organic CuPc matrix

The evolution of the morphology and the electronic structure of the hybrid organic-inorganic system composed of gold nanoparticles (NPs) distributed in an organic matrix-copper phthalocyanine (CuPc)-as a function of nominal gold content was studied by transmission electron microscopy and by surface and bulk sensitive spectroscopic methods. The gold atoms deposited onto the CuPc surface diffuse into the organic matrix and self-assemble to NPs. There is no formation of a continuous metallic Au film on top of the CuPc film up to large nominal coverage of about 130 angstrom considered in the present study. The gold is assembled in well defined NPs with metallic properties. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3488809]