From bulk to nano metal phthalocyanine by recrystallization with enhanced nucleation

A recrystallization process with enhanced nucleation by a dilute KOH aqueous solution is used to create nano from bulk metal phthalocyanines (MPcs). Cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) nanorods (∼20 nm in width and ∼60 nm in length) and copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) nanorods (∼30 nm in width and several hundred nano meters in length) are prepared from bulk CoPc and CuPc, respectively. It indicates the strength of the interaction force between MPcs and H2O molecules possibly affects the size of the nano particles. The formation of nano MPcs and purification were accomplished simultaneously, providing a facial way to turn bulk MPcs into nano with high purity.