Charge transfer at phthalocyanine interfaces

Using X-ray photoelectron (XPS) and X-ray absorbtion spectroscopy (XAS) we demonstrate charge transfer at an interface between two transition metal phthalocyanines, MnPc and F16CoPc, resulting in charged MnPc + and F16CoPc -, species. Density functional theory calculations reveal that a hybrid state is formed between the two types of phthalocyanines, which causes this charge transfer. For the hybrid state the Mn3dxz interacts with the Co 3dz2 orbital leading to a two-level system. Moreover, we have prepared mixed films out of this pair, which were characterized also by means of electron energy-loss spectroscopy. Our data reveal the formation of MnPc/F16CoPc charge transfer dimers in analogy to the heterojunction. The electronic excitation spectrum of these blends is characterized by a new low energy excitation at 0.6 eV