In-situ synthesis of copper phthalocyanine in silica xerogel matrix

Using a newly developed "in-situ syntheses" technique during sol-gel proces s, copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) is synthesized in-situ in silica xerogel ma trix homogeneously. It has been confirmed by UV-Vis and IR spectroscopies t hat the copper ions which existed in the form of complex-ions [Cu(H2O)(4)]( 2+) and [CuCl4](2-) in the stages of sol and wet gel were destroyed in the heat treatment process, meanwhile the copper phthalocyanine molecules were synthesized in-situ gradually during the wet gel to xerogel transition. The dimerization phenomenon of CuPc in the composite is suppressed greatly bec ause the in-situ synthesized CuPc molecules were well isolated in the micro -pores of the xerogel matrix. The doping concentration of Copper phthalocya nine in sol-gel derived matrix can be enhanced also by this in-situ synthes is method.