High-Performance Phototransistor Memory with an Ultrahigh Memory Ratio Conferred Using Hydrogen-Bonded Supramolecular...

Area of Science:

• Photonic electronics
• Organic electronics
• Materials science

Background:

• Organic phototransistor memory offers potential for advanced applications due to fast programming/readout and high memory ratios.
• Enhancing optoelectronic device performance relies on optimizing optic unit cell efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a hydrogen-bonded supramolecular electret into organic phototransistor memory to improve performance.
• To investigate the role of porphyrin dyes and insulated polymers in charge trapping and stabilization.

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of porphyrin dyes (meso-tetra(4-aminophenyl)porphine, meso-tetra(p-hydroxyphenyl)porphine, and TCPP) and insulated polymers (poly(4-vinylpyridine) and PVPh) into phototransistor memory.
• Utilizing dinaphtho[2,3-b:2',3'-f]thieno[3,2-b]thiophene (DNTT) as the semiconducting channel.
• Formation of hydrogen-bonded supramolecules to stabilize trapped charges.

Main Results:

• The PVPh:TCPP combination demonstrated the highest memory ratio of 1.12 × 10^8 over 10^4 s, surpassing previous records.
• Hole-trapping capability is linked to electrostatic potential distribution within supramolecules.
• Electron-trapping and surface proton doping are influenced by hydrogen bonding and interfacial interactions.

Conclusions:

• Hydrogen-bonded supramolecular electrets can significantly enhance organic phototransistor memory performance.
• Fine-tuning hydrogen bond strength is crucial for optimizing memory characteristics.
• This approach offers a promising pathway for developing next-generation photonic electronic devices.