Abstract
The fabrication of multifunctional high-performance organic thin-film transistors as key elements in future logic circuits is a major research challenge. Here we demonstrate that a photoresponsive bi-functional field-effect transistor with carrier mobilities exceeding 0.2 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) can be developed by incorporating photochromic molecules into an organic semiconductor matrix via a single-step solution processing deposition of a two components blend. Tuning the interactions between the photochromic diarylethene system and the organic semiconductor is achieved via ad-hoc side functionalization of the diarylethene. Thereby, a large-scale phase-segregation can be avoided and superior miscibility is provided, while retaining optimal π-π stacking to warrant efficient charge transport and to attenuate the effect of photoinduced switching on the extent of current modulation. This leads to enhanced electrical performance of transistors incorporating small conjugated molecules as compared with polymeric semiconductors. These findings are of interest for the development of high-performing optically gated electronic devices.
Highlights
The fabrication of multifunctional high-performance organic thin-film transistors as key elements in future logic circuits is a major research challenge
These different switching states should be thermally stable, and the photoisomerization process should be efficient and highly robust, that is, fatigue resistant. All of these criteria are met by diarylethenes (DAEs)[7,8], which are among the most interesting photochromic molecules to be embedded into thin-film transistors (TFTs) as a single semiconducting component[9]
In summary, we extend our approach of blending photochromic systems with a polymer to small molecules, which are known to exhibit greater device performance when integrated in TFTs
Summary
The fabrication of multifunctional high-performance organic thin-film transistors as key elements in future logic circuits is a major research challenge. This might explain the poorer electrical characteristics of BTBT devices on addition of the DAE molecules in their open form; but does not account for the large difference observed between the results obtained for the blends with DAE_Me and DAE_tBu, considering that they have similar HOMO energy levels.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
