Abstract
X-rays diffraction and scanning electron microscope were used to investigate the structural properties of tetraphenylporphyrin, TPP, which is polycrystalline in a synthesized condition. It turns to amorphous structure upon thermal deposition. Annealing temperature ranging from 295 to 473K does not influence the amorphous structure of films. The optical properties of TPP were investigated using spectrophotometric measurements of the transmittance and reflectance at normal incidence in the wavelength range of 200–2200nm. The absorption spectra were recorded in UV–visible region of spectra for the as-deposited and annealed samples show different absorption bands, namely four bands labeled as Q-band in visible region of spectra and a more intense band termed as the Soret band in near UV region of spectra. The Soret band shows its splitting (Davydov splitting). Two other bands labeled N and M appear in UV region. The film thickness has no influence on optical properties of films while annealing temperatures have a slight influence on optical properties of TPP films. The type of optical transition in as deposited and annealed conditions of films was found to be indirect allowed band-gap. Both fundamental and onset energy gap decreases upon annealing.
•Tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) is polycrystalline in powder form, while the as-deposited and annealed TPP thin films have amorphous structure.•The absorption spectra of TPP in UV–visible region consists of Q-bands, Soret band and two other bands labeled N and M.•The optical parameters of TPP thin film were measured.•Thermal annealing influences optical properties of TPP thin films.