High-Performance, Ultrathin, Ultraflexible Organic Thin-Film Transistor Array Via Solution Process

Area of Science:

• Organic electronics
• Materials science
• Device physics

Background:

• Ultrathin organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) offer flexibility and light weight, suitable for solution processing.
• Fabricating high-performance ultrathin OTFTs remains a significant challenge compared to rigid devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a high-performance ultrathin OTFT array using 2,7-dioctyl[1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene (C8-BTBT).
• To evaluate the electrical and mechanical properties of these ultrathin OTFTs for potential applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of ultrathin C8-BTBT OTFT arrays via a simple spin-coating method.
• Characterization of device performance, including mobility, on/off current ratio, and switching current.
• Assessment of mechanical stability on curved surfaces and after repeated folding.

Main Results:

• Achieved high mobility up to 11 cm² V^-1 s^-1 (average 7.22 cm² V^-1 s^-1) with an on/off ratio >10⁶ and switching current >1 mA.
• Demonstrated ultrathin thickness (≈380 nm) and ultralight weight (≈0.89 g m^-2), enabling adherence to skin and insect wings.
• Exhibited good electrical characteristics and mechanical stability on curved surfaces and after 100 folding cycles.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully demonstrates high-performance ultrathin OTFTs fabricated through a simple method.
• These devices possess excellent flexibility, light weight, and robust mechanical stability.
• The results highlight the potential of these ultrathin OTFTs for next-generation electronics like foldable displays and wearable devices.