Phase Separation of P3HT/PMMA Blend Film for Forming Semiconducting and Dielectric Layers in Organic Thin-Film Transistors for High-Sensitivity NO2 Detection

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

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Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)44521-44527
Journal / PublicationACS Applied Materials and Interfaces
Volume11
Issue number47
Online published4 Nov 2019
Publication statusPublished - 27 Nov 2019

Abstract

Formation of the semiconductor/dielectric double-layered films via vertical phase separations from polymer blends is an effective method to fabricate organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs). Here, we introduce a simple one-step processing method for the vertical phase separation of poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) blends in OTFTs and their applications for high-performance nitrogen dioxide (NO2) sensors. Compared to the conventional two-step coated OTFT sensors, one-step processed devices exhibit a great enhancement of the responsivity from 116 to 1481% for 30 ppm NO2 concentration and a limit of detection of â 0.7 ppb. Studies of the microstructures of the blend films and the electrical properties of the sensors reveal that the devices formed by the one-step vertical phase separation have better capability for the adsorption of NO2 molecules. Moreover, a careful adjustment of the blend ratio between P3HT and PMMA can further improve the performance of the NO2 sensors, ranging from sensitivity to selectivity and to the ability of recovery. This simple one-step processing method demonstrates a potential possibility for developing high-performance, low-cost, and large-Area OTFT gas sensors.

Research Area(s)

  • gas sensor, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), organic thin-film transistor (OTFT), polymer blend, vertical phase separation

Citation Format(s)

Phase Separation of P3HT/PMMA Blend Film for Forming Semiconducting and Dielectric Layers in Organic Thin-Film Transistors for High-Sensitivity NO2 Detection. / Hou, Sihui; Yu, Junsheng; Zhuang, Xinming et al.
In: ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, Vol. 11, No. 47, 27.11.2019, p. 44521-44527.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review