Atomic-Force-Microscopy Analysis of Uranium Bis-Phthalocyanine and Its Pyrolysed Derivatives

Abstract

The morphology of the surface of thin films of uranium bis-phthalocyanine and its pyrolysed derivatives is analyzed by atomic-force microscopy. During the pyrolysis of samples in an inert atmosphere (400–800°C), the transition from a crystalline to amorphous carbon structure with immobilized metal atoms is observed in uranium bis-phthalocyanine thin films deposited onto a substrate. It is found that at temperatures above 1000°C the pyrolysis is accompanied by the aggregation of nanoscale particles and the formation of ultraporous matrices with a high specific surface area (∼102 m²/g).