MXene–organic semiconductor blends for high-mobility printed organic electronic devices

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Xinliang Feng
• Subject Area: Polymer Materials
• Term: from 2018 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 399684426

The proposed project will couple delocalized-state charge-carrier transport in MXenes and in state-of-the-art organic semiconductor crystals (OSCs) to realize high-speed electronic devices fabricated by printing of MXene/OSC blends. We will synthesize inks comprising MXenes and OSCs, which will allow us to print organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) on flexible substrates. We will explore novel OSCs based on the [1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene (BTBT) and dinaphtho[2,3-b:2',3'-f]thieno[3,2-b]thiophene (DNTT) scaffolds. MXenes will be synthesized from the following compounds: Ti3AlC2, Nb2AlC, and V2AlC. All-printed OTFTs will comprise MXene/OSC-blend channels and MXene printed contacts. The mobility of the charge carriers in these devices will exceed 50 cm2/Vs and the Ion/Ioff ratio will reach values of 105. Towards this end, we will perform detailed multiscale characterization of morphological, structural, energetic, and transport properties of the blend layers fabricated by printing. The results will serve as input for theoretical modelling of the electronic properties at the microscopic interface environment of the MXene/OSC interfaces and charge transport through the MXene/OSC blend. The modelling results will, in turn, serve to optimize the protocol of synthesis of MXene/OSC blends and fabrication of OTFTs. Once the properties of the layers are optimized and thoroughly theoretically described, OTFTs will be printed and their fabrication protocol will be optimized to yield the highest possible mobility and on/off ratio. Throughout the project strong emphasis will be devoted to dissemination of the results via a variety of communication channels which will address audiences ranging from experts in the field, policymakers, young science-oriented individuals and general audience. The partners of the consortium cover all pertinent areas of the project. They include experts in the areas of: synthesis of advanced two-dimensional (2D) materials and high-mobility OSCs, theoretical modelling of electronic properties of 2D–material/OSC interfaces, and fabrication and characterization of advanced organic electronic devices. The project is highly complementary to the activities carried out within several Graphene Flagship work packages, i.e. WP1, WP3, WP9 and WP13, thus it will offer new ideas and inputs of wide interest to the Graphene Flagship endeavour.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Belgium, France, Slovenia
• Cooperation Partners: Professor Dr. David Jacques Beljonne; Professor Dr. Gvido Bratina; Professor Dr. Paolo Samorì