Surface-Treated Poly(dimethylsiloxane) as a Gate Dielectric in Solution-Processed Organic Field-Effect Transistors.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Organic Electronics
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) is a versatile elastomer with applications in organic electronics.
• Its inherent hydrophobicity and low surface energy limit its use as a gate dielectric in solution-processed organic field-effect transistors (OFETs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple surface modification method for PDMS to enable its use as a gate dielectric in solution-processed OFETs.
• To investigate the effect of extended ultraviolet-ozone (UVO) treatment on PDMS surface properties.

Main Methods:

• Extended ultraviolet-ozone (UVO) treatment was applied to modify PDMS surfaces.
• Contact angle measurements were used to assess surface wettability.
• The modified PDMS was integrated as a gate dielectric in solution-processed n- and p-channel OFETs.

Main Results:

• Extended UVO treatment enhanced PDMS surface wettability and adherence to both polar and nonpolar liquids.
• Morphological changes on the PDMS surface, rather than just polar group creation, were responsible for the improved solvent compatibility.
• The modified PDMS served effectively as a gate dielectric in OFETs utilizing PC$_{60}$BM and rr-P3HT semiconductors.

Conclusions:

• Extended UVO treatment offers a simple and effective method to overcome the limitations of PDMS for gate dielectric applications in solution-processed OFETs.
• The surface modification strategy broadens the applicability of PDMS in organic electronic devices.