Evaluation of ClAlPc synthesis methods for transparent organic photovoltaic

Two processes for chloroaluminum phthalocyanine (ClAlPc) synthesis using phthalonitrile and phthalic anhydride are compared based on ClAlPc purity, cost analysis of reactants, and performance for low-cost organic photovoltaic applications. Purity of ClAlPc is characterized through UV-vis and HPLC-mass spectrometry. The UV-vis spectra of ClAlPc from phthalic anhydride and phthalonitrile show strong Q-band absorption at 670 nm and 677 nm respectively, and 670 nm for reference ClAlPc. Also, liquid chromatogram of ClAlPc from two precursors and reference ClAlPc have the same retention time at 7 min with 580.16 m/z and the same isotope distribution. The power conversion efficiency of ClAlPc photovoltaic devices varies from 0.22% to 1.9% depending on the precursor. The best devices made with material synthesized using the phthalonitrile process have comparable efficiency to reference devices.