Phthalocyanine-Based Organic Thin-Film Transistors: A Review of Recent Advances

π-Extended hexadeca-substituted cobalt phthalocyanine as an active layer for organic field-effect transistors

The structural modification of the phthalocyanine skeleton with a hexadeca substitution pattern is a promising approach for the fabrication of active layers for OFETs.

Organic Thin Film Transistors Incorporating Solution Processable Thieno[3,2-b]thiophene Thienoacenes

Bottom-gate bottom-contact organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) were prepared with four novel star-shaped conjugated molecules containing a fused thieno[3,2-b]thiophene moiety incorporated either in the core and/or at the periphery of the molecular framework. The molecules were soluble in CS₂, allowing for solution-processing techniques to be employed. OTFTs with different channel geometries were characterized in both air and vacuum in order to compare environmental effects on performance. Blending the small molecules with poly(styrene), an insulating polymer, facilitated the formation of an even semiconducting film, resulting in an order of magnitude increase in device mobility. The highest field-effect mobilities were in air and on the order of 10^-3 cm²/Vs for three of the four molecules, with a maximum mobility of 9.2 × 10^-3 cm²/Vs achieved for the most conjugated small molecule. This study explores the relationship between processing conditions and OTFT devices performance for four different molecules within this new family of materials, resulting in a deeper insight into their potential as solution-processable semiconductors.

Toward Environmentally Robust Organic Electronics: Approaches and Applications

Recent interest in flexible electronics has led to a paradigm shift in consumer electronics, and the emergent development of stretchable and wearable electronics is opening a new spectrum of ubiquitous applications for electronics. Organic electronic materials, such as π-conjugated small molecules and polymers, are highly suitable for use in low-cost wearable electronic devices, and their charge-carrier mobilities have now exceeded that of amorphous silicon. However, their commercialization is minimal, mainly because of weaknesses in terms of operational stability, long-term stability under ambient conditions, and chemical stability related to fabrication processes. Recently, however, many attempts have been made to overcome such instabilities of organic electronic materials. Here, an overview is provided of the strategies developed for environmentally robust organic electronics to overcome the detrimental effects of various critical factors such as oxygen, water, chemicals, heat, and light. Additionally, molecular design approaches to π-conjugated small molecules and polymers that are highly stable under ambient and harsh conditions are explored; such materials will circumvent the need for encapsulation and provide a greater degree of freedom using simple solution-based device-fabrication techniques. Applications that are made possible through these strategies are highlighted.

Near-Infrared Fluorescence of Silicon Phthalocyanine Carboxylate Esters

Seven silicon(IV) phthalocyanine carboxylate esters (SiPcs, 1–7) with non-, partially- and per-fluorinated aliphatic (linear or branched at the alpha-carbon) and aromatic ester groups have been synthesized, their solid-state structures determined and their optoelectronic properties characterized. The SiPcs exhibit quasi-reversible oxidation waves (vs. Fc⁺/Fc) at 0.58–0.75 V and reduction waves at −0.97 to −1.16 V centered on the phthalocyanine ring with a narrow redox gap range of 1.70–1.75 V. Strong absorbance in the near-infrared (NIR) region is observed for 1–7 with the lowest-energy absorption maximum (Q band) varying little as a function of ester between 682 and 691 nm. SiPcs 1–7 fluorescence in the near-infrared with emission maxima at 691–700 nm. The photoluminescence quantum yields range from 40 to 52%. As a function of esterification, the SiPcs 1–7 exhibit moderate-to-good solubility in chlorinated solvents, such as 1,2-dichlorobenzene and chloroform.

Charge transfer from and to manganese phthalocyanine: bulk materials and interfaces

Manganese phthalocyanine (MnPc) is a member of the family of transition-metal phthalocyanines, which combines interesting electronic behavior in the fields of organic and molecular electronics with local magnetic moments. MnPc is characterized by hybrid states between the Mn 3d orbitals and the π orbitals of the ligand very close to the Fermi level. This causes particular physical properties, different from those of the other phthalocyanines, such as a rather small ionization potential, a small band gap and a large electron affinity. These can be exploited to prepare particular compounds and interfaces with appropriate partners, which are characterized by a charge transfer from or to MnPc. We summarize recent spectroscopic and theoretical results that have been achieved in this regard.

Synthesis and characterization of fluorophthalocyanines bearing four 2-(2-thienyl)ethoxy moieties: from the optimization of the fluorine substitution to chemosensing

Tuning of the electron-donating/withdrawing balance in phthalocyanine complexes.

Simple design to achieve red-to-near-infrared emissive cationic Ir(iii) emitters and their use in light emitting electrochemical cells

Two cationic Ir(iii) complexes bearing bithiazole-type ancillary ligands have been synthesised and tested as deep red-to-near-infrared emitters in solution-processed electroluminescent devices.

Charge transfer quantification in a SnOx/CuPc semiconductor heterostructure: investigation of buried interface energy structure by photoelectron spectroscopies

The interfacial electronic properties of the tin oxide/copper phthalocyanine layer stack were investigated with two complementary photoemission methods.

Orthogonally Processable Carbazole-Based Polymer Thin Films by Nitroxide-Mediated Polymerization

Cross-linking of hole-transporting polymer thin films in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) has been shown to increase device efficacy when subsequent layers are deposited from solution. This improvement, due to resistance of the films to dissolution, could also be achieved by covalently grafting the polymer film to the substrate. Using nitroxide-mediated polymerization (NMP), we synthesized a novel poly(9-(4-vinylbenzyl)-9H-carbazole) (poly(VBK)) copolymer which can be cross-linked and also developed two simple methods for the grafting-to or grafting-from, also known as surface-initiated polymerization, of poly(VBK) to indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates. All three of these methods produced thin films that could be orthogonally processed; that is, they resisted dissolution when the spin-coating of a subsequent layer was simulated. Similar electrochemical behavior for the poly(VBK) films was observed regardless of the technique used, suggesting that all three techniques could be used in the engineering of organic electronic devices. We expect that all three methods would be worth investigating in the solution-based assembly of OLEDs and other organic electronic devices.

Piezoelectric polymer gated OFET: Cutting-edge electro-mechanical transducer for organic MEMS-based sensors

The growth of micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) based sensors on the electronic market is forecast to be invigorated soon by the development of a new branch of MEMS-based sensors made of organic materials. Organic MEMS have the potential to revolutionize sensor products due to their light weight, low-cost and mechanical flexibility. However, their sensitivity and stability in comparison to inorganic MEMS-based sensors have been the major concerns. In the present work, an organic MEMS sensor with a cutting-edge electro-mechanical transducer based on an active organic field effect transistor (OFET) has been demonstrated. Using poly(vinylidenefluoride/trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) piezoelectric polymer as active gate dielectric in the transistor mounted on a polymeric micro-cantilever, unique electro-mechanical properties were observed. Such an advanced scheme enables highly efficient integrated electro-mechanical transduction for physical and chemical sensing applications. Record relative sensitivity over 600 in the low strain regime (<0.3%) was demonstrated, which represents a key-step for the development of highly sensitive all organic MEMS-based sensors.

Optical, electrochemical and third-order nonlinear optical studies of triphenylamine substituted zinc phthalocyanine

Zinc phthalocyanine possessing triphenylamine at its peripheral position has been synthesized and its optical, emission, electrochemical and third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties were investigated. Soret band was broadened due to the presence of triphenylamine moiety. Electrochemical properties indicated that both oxidation and reduction processes were ring centered. Emission spectra were recorded in different solvents and the fluorescence yields obtained were in the range of 0.02–0.17 while the time-resolved fluorescence data revealed radiative lifetimes of typically few ns. Third-order NLO properties of this molecule have been examined using the Z-scan technique with picosecond (ps) and femtoseocnd (fs) pulses. Closed and open aperture Z-scan data were recorded with 2 ps/1 50 fs laser pulses at a wavelength of 800 nm and NLO coefficients were extracted from both the data. Our data clearly suggests the potential of this molecule for photonics applications.

Achievement of High-Response Organic Field-Effect Transistor NO₂ Sensor by Using the Synergistic Effect of ZnO/PMMA Hybrid Dielectric and CuPc/Pentacene Heterojunction

High-response organic field-effect transistor (OFET)-based NO₂ sensors were fabricated using the synergistic effect the synergistic effect of zinc oxide/poly(methyl methacrylate) (ZnO/PMMA) hybrid dielectric and CuPc/Pentacene heterojunction. Compared with the OFET sensors without synergistic effect, the fabricated OFET sensors showed a remarkable shift of saturation current, field-effect mobility and threshold voltage when exposed to various concentrations of NO₂ analyte. Moreover, after being stored in atmosphere for 30 days, the variation of saturation current increased more than 10 folds at 0.5 ppm NO₂. By analyzing the electrical characteristics, and the morphologies of organic semiconductor films of the OFET-based sensors, the performance enhancement was ascribed to the synergistic effect of the dielectric and organic semiconductor. The ZnO nanoparticles on PMMA dielectric surface decreased the grain size of pentacene formed on hybrid dielectric, facilitating the diffusion of CuPc molecules into the grain boundary of pentacene and the approach towards the conducting channel of OFET. Hence, NO₂ molecules could interact with CuPc and ZnO nanoparticles at the interface of dielectric and organic semiconductor. Our results provided a promising strategy for the design of high performance OFET-based NO₂ sensors in future electronic nose and environment monitoring.

Ultrasound-Induced Organogel Formation Followed by Thin Film Fabrication via Simple Doctor Blading Technique for Field-Effect Transistor Applications

We demonstrate doctor blading technique to fabricate high performance transistors made up of printed small molecular materials. In this regard, we synthesize a new soluble phthalocyanine, tetra-n-butyl peripheral substituted copper(II) phthalocaynine (CuBuPc), that can easily undergo gel formation upon ultrasonic irradiation, leading to the formation of three-dimensional (3D) network composed of one-dimensional (1D) nanofibers structure. Finally, taking the advantage of thixotropic nature of the CuBuPc organogel, we use the doctor blade processing technique that limits the material wastage for the fabrication of transistor devices. Due to the ultrasound induced stronger π-π interaction, the transistor fabricated by doctor blading based on CuBuPc organogel exhibits significant increase in charge carrier mobility in comparison with other solution process techniques, thus paving a way for a simple and economically viable preparation of electronic circuits.

Synthesis of an ABCD-Type Phthalocyanine by Intramolecular Cyclization Reaction

Unsymmetrical phthalocyanines with a low symmetry can exhibit unique and intriguing properties that can facilitate their applications in certain disciplines. The synthesis of these compounds, however, has posed a great difficulty. A novel and unprecedented approach for phthalocyanine synthesis is reported that involves intramolecular cyclization of prelinked tetrakisphthalonitriles. By using this strategy, the first ABCD-type phthalocyanine has been prepared in 7.2% yield.

Topological Control of Columnar Stacking Made of Liquid-Crystalline Thiophene-Fused Metallonaphthalocyanines

The spontaneous organization of two-dimensional polyaromatic molecules into well-defined nanostructures through noncovalent interactions is important in the development of organic-based electronic and optoelectronic devices. Two regioisomers of thiophene-fused zinc naphthalocyanines ZnTNcendo and ZnTNcexo have been designed and synthesized to obtain photo- and electroactive liquid crystalline materials. Both compounds exhibited liquid crystalline behavior over a wide temperature range through intermolecular π-π interactions and local phase segregation between the aromatic cores and peripheral side chains. The structural differences between ZnTNcendo and ZnTNcexo affected the stacking mode in self-assembled columns, as well as symmetry of the two-dimensional rectangular columnar lattice. The columnar structure in liquid crystalline phase exhibited an ambipolar charge-transport behavior.

Organic Semiconductors based on Dyes and Color Pigments

Organic dyes and pigments constitute a large class of industrial products. The utilization of these compounds in the field of organic electronics is reviewed with particular emphasis on organic field-effect transistors. It is shown that for most major classes of industrial dyes and pigments, i.e., phthalocyanines, perylene and naphthalene diimides, diketopyrrolopyrroles, indigos and isoindigos, squaraines, and merocyanines, charge-carrier mobilities exceeding 1 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) have been achieved. The most widely investigated molecules due to their n-channel operation are perylene and naphthalene diimides, for which even values close to 10 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) have been demonstrated. The fact that all of these π-conjugated colorants contain polar substituents leading to strongly quadrupolar or even dipolar molecules suggests that indeed a much larger structural space shows promise for the design of organic semiconductor molecules than was considered in this field traditionally. In particular, because many of these dye and pigment chromophores demonstrate excellent thermal and (photo-)chemical stability in their original applications in dyeing and printing, and are accessible by straightforward synthetic protocols, they bear a particularly high potential for commercial applications in the area of organic electronics.

Solution-Processable Silicon Phthalocyanines in Electroluminescent and Photovoltaic Devices

Phthalocyanines and their main group and metal complexes are important classes of organic semiconductor materials but are usually highly insoluble and so frequently need to be processed by vacuum deposition in devices. We report two highly soluble silicon phthalocyanine (SiPc) diester compounds and demonstrate their potential as organic semiconductor materials. Near-infrared (λ(EL) = 698-709 nm) solution-processed organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) were fabricated and exhibited external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) of up to 1.4%. Binary bulk heterojunction solar cells employing P3HT or PTB7 as the donor and the SiPc as the acceptor provided power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of up to 2.7% under simulated solar illumination. Our results show that soluble SiPcs are promising materials for organic electronics.

An acid-cleavable phthalocyanine tetramer as an activatable photosensitiser for photodynamic therapy

A novel self-quenched phthalocyanine tetramer has been prepared which can be activated in acidic environments, resulting in enhanced fluorescence emission and singlet oxygen production.

Thermally driven smoothening of molecular thin films: Structural transitions in n-alkane layers studied in real-time

We use thermal annealing to improve smoothness and to increase the lateral size of crystalline islands of n-tetratetracontane (TTC, C44H90) films. With in situ x-ray diffraction, we find an optimum temperature range leading to improved texture and crystallinity while avoiding an irreversible phase transition that reduces crystallinity again. We employ real-time optical phase contrast microscopy with sub-nm height resolution to track the diffusion of TTC across monomolecular step edges which causes the unusual smoothing of a molecular thin film during annealing. We show that the lateral island sizes increase by more than one order of magnitude from 0.5 μm to 10 μm. This desirable behavior of 2d-Ostwald ripening and smoothing is in contrast to many other organic molecular films where annealing leads to dewetting, roughening, and a pronounced 3d morphology. We rationalize the smoothing behavior with the highly anisotropic attachment energies and low surface energies for TTC. The results are technically relevant for the use of TTC as passivation layer and as gate dielectric in organic field effect transistors.

Novel soluble thieno[3,2-b]thiophene fused porphyrazine

The synthesis of the first soluble thieno[3,2-b]thiophene based porphyrazine (ZnTTPz) is reported from the cyclisation of 2,3-dicyano-5-octylthieno[3,2-b]thiophene.