Controlling the mode of operation of organic transistors through side chain engineering
File(s)AlkylvsGlycol-v11-revisions-SI.pdf (2.07 MB)
Supporting information
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Electrolyte-gated organic transistors offer low bias operation facilitated by direct contact of the transistor channel with an electrolyte. Their operation mode is generally defined by the dimensionality of charge transport, where a field-effect transistor allows for electrostatic charge accumulation at the electrolyte/semiconductor interface, whereas an organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) facilitates penetration of ions into the bulk of the channel, considered a slow process, leading to volumetric doping and electronic transport. Conducting polymer OECTs allow for fast switching and high currents through incorporation of excess, hygroscopic ionic phases, but operate in depletion mode. Here, we show that the use of glycolated side chains on a thiophene backbone can result in accumulation mode OECTs with high currents, transconductance, and sharp subthreshold switching, while maintaining fast switching speeds. Compared with alkylated analogs of the same backbone, the triethylene glycol side chains shift the mode of operation of aqueous electrolyte-gated transistors from interfacial to bulk doping/transport and show complete and reversible electrochromism and high volumetric capacitance at low operating biases. We propose that the glycol side chains facilitate hydration and ion penetration, without compromising electronic mobility, and suggest that this synthetic approach can be used to guide the design of organic mixed conductors.
Date Issued
2016-10-10
Date Acceptance
2016-09-02
Citation
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2016, 143 (43), pp.12017-12022
ISSN
1091-6490
Publisher
National Academy of Sciences
Start Page
12017
End Page
12022
Journal / Book Title
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume
143
Issue
43
Copyright Statement
© 2016 National Academy of Sciences.
Sponsor
Commission of the European Communities
Commission of the European Communities
Commission of the European Communities
Grant Number
604397
PIRSES-GA-2013-612538
610115
Subjects
electrochemical transistor
organic electronics
semiconducting polymers
MD Multidisciplinary
Publication Status
Published