Air-stable polymer organic thin-film transistors by solution-processed encapsulation
Journal
Organic Electronics
Journal Volume
12
Journal Issue
1
Pages
179-184
Date Issued
2011
Author(s)
Fu, Y.
Abstract
The air- and encapsulation-induced degradations of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) encapsulated with solution-processed polymer films were systematically analyzed to realize air-stable devices. By studying the potential degradation-inducing factors from air-O2, moisture, N2, and light, we determined that device degradations could be eliminated by isolating the devices from two of the factors: moisture and light. In terms of encapsulation-induced degradations, we examined 10 types of encapsulating polymers and found that such degradations could be avoided with polymers containing low-polarity function groups, including poly(vinyl methyl ketone), poly(methyl vinyl ether), poly(methyl methacrylate), and polystyrene. Based upon the identified sources of degradations, we demonstrated an encapsulation approach that involved (1) using a low-polarity encapsulating polymer layer to serve as a moisture barrier and to avoid encapsulation-induced degradation, and (2) applying a light-blocking agent. The resultant OTFTs showed no encapsulation-induced degradation while maintaining stable device characteristics for >5500 h of storage in the ambient air. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
SDGs
Type
journal article