In this study, we report for the preparation of nickel phthalocyanine (NiPc) free-standing films on ionic liquid (IL) surface by a physical vapor deposition method. Different from on the solid substrate, the as obtained film is a phase and with a 2D network structure. In addition, the good transferability of the film make it can be easily transferred onto any substrate for further device applications. The device based on these films shows good photoelectrical property, high stability and high photosensitivity. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.