Donor-Acceptor Effect of Carbazole-Based Conjugated Polymer Electrets on Photoresponsive Flash Organic Field-Effect Transistor Memories

Rational Molecular Design of Diketopyrrolopyrrole-Based n-Type and Ambipolar Polymer Semiconductors

Diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP)-based polymer semiconductors have drawn great attention in the field of organic electronics due to the planar structure, decent solubilizing capability, and high crystallinity. However, the electron-deficient capacity of DPP derivatives are not strong enough, leading to relatively high-lying lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels of the corresponding polymers. As a result, n-type and ambipolar DPP-based polymers are rare and their electron mobilities also lag far behind the p-type counterparts, which limits the development of important p-n-junction-based electronic devices. Therefore, new design strategies have been proposed recent years to develop n-type/ambipolar DPP-based polymers with improved performances. In this view, these molecular design strategies are summarized, including copolymerization of DPP with different acceptors and weak donors, DPP flanked aromatic ring modification, DPP-core ring expansion and DPP dimerization. The relationship between the chemical structures and organic thin-film transistor performances is intensively discussed. Finally, a perspective on future trends in the molecular design of DPP-based n-type/ambipolar polymers is also proposed.

Electrical Double-Layer Transistors Comprising Block Copolymer Electrolytes for Low-Power-Consumption Photodetectors

Electrical double-layer transistors (EDLTs) have received extensive research attention owing to their exciting advantages of low working voltage, high biocompatibility, and sensitive interfacial properties in ultrasensitive portable sensing applications. Therefore, it is of great interest to reduce photodetectors' operating voltage and power consumption by utilizing photo-EDLT. In this study, a series of block copolymers (BCPs) of poly(4-vinylpyridine)-block-poly(ethylene oxide) (P4VP-b-PEO) with different compositions were applied to formulate polyelectrolyte with indigo carmine salt in EDLT. Accordingly, PEO conduces ion conduction in the BCP electrolyte and enhances the carrier transport capability in the semiconducting channel; P4VP boosts the photocurrent by providing charge-trapping sites during light illumination. In addition, the severe aggregation of PEO is mitigated by forming a BCP structure with P4VP, enhancing the stability and photoresponse of the photo-EDLT. By optimizing the BCP composition, EDLT comprising P4VP16k-b-PEO5k and indigo carmine provides the highest specific detectivity of 2.1 × 107 Jones, along with ultralow power consumptions of 0.59 nW under 450 nm light illumination and 0.32 pW under dark state. The results indicate that photo-EDLT comprising the BCP electrolyte is a practical approach to reducing phototransistors' operating voltage and power consumption.

Towards Artificial Visual Sensory System: Organic Optoelectronic Synaptic Materials and Devices

Developing an artificial visual sensory system requires optoelectronic materials and devices that can mimic the behavior of biological synapses. Organic/polymeric semiconductors have emerged as promising candidates for optoelectronic synapses due to their tunable optoelectronic properties, mechanic flexibility, and biological compatibility. In this review, we discuss the recent progress in organic optoelectronic synaptic materials and devices, including their design principles, working mechanisms, and applications. We also highlight the challenges and opportunities in this field and provide insights into potential applications of these materials and devices in next-generation artificial visual systems. By leveraging the advances in organic optoelectronic materials and devices, we can envision its future development in artificial intelligence.

Electropolymerization on ITO-Coated Glass Slides of a Series of π-Extended BODIPY Dyes with Redox-Active Meso-Substituents

A series of meso-carbazole and meso-pyrene boron dipyrromethene(BDP) dyes have been synthesized using a two-step method. This simplified synthetic method did not require catalysts or oxidizing agents. Solution spectroscopic and electrochemical studies indicate that the HOMO and LUMO energies are dependent on the extent of π-conjugation associated with the pyrroles. Solution electrochemistry of the dyes in chloroform reveal film formation onto glassy carbon electrodes. Electrolysis of chloroform solutions of the dyes using indium tin oxide (ITO) glass slides as the working electrode show, using UV/vis spectroscopy, the formation of films. For two of the dyes, the BODIPY structure stays in tact upon electrolysis, exhibiting sharp absorption peaks on the ITO slides similar to that observed for the same dyes in solution.

Access to 5-Methyl-5H-naphtho[2,3-c]carbazole-8,13-dione Derivatives via Copper-Catalyzed Intramolecular Isomerization

Carbazole-fused quinones are important compounds for their potential pharmacological activities and photophysical properties. Here, a novel copper-catalyzed intramolecular isomerization process to access a new class of naphtho[2,3-c]carbazole-8,13-dione derivatives via a furan isomerization/γ-H elimination and β-C elimination/6π-electrocyclization/aromatization cascade is reported. Furthermore, the preliminary photophysical properties of the functional 5-methyl-5H-naphtho[2,3-c]carbazole-8,13-dione derivatives have been studied.

Organic multilevel (opto)electronic memories towards neuromorphic applications

In the past decades, neuromorphic computing has attracted the interest of the scientific community due to its potential to circumvent the von Neumann bottleneck. Organic materials, owing to their fine tunablility and their ability to be used in multilevel memories, represent a promising class of materials to fabricate neuromorphic devices with the key requirement of operation with synaptic weight. In this review, recent studies of organic multilevel memory are presented. The operating principles and the latest achievements obtained with devices exploiting the main approaches to reach multilevel operation are discussed, with emphasis on organic devices using floating gates, ferroelectric materials, polymer electrets and photochromic molecules. The latest results obtained using organic multilevel memories for neuromorphic circuits are explored and the major advantages and drawbacks of the use of organic materials for neuromorphic applications are discussed.

Fully Photoswitchable Phototransistor Memory Comprising Perovskite Quantum Dot-Based Hybrid Nanocomposites as a Photoresponsive Floating Gate

Tremendous research efforts have been dedicated into the field of photoresponsive nonvolatile memory devices owing to their advantages of fast transmitting speed, low latency, and power-saving property that are suitable for replacing current electrical-driven electronics. However, the reported memory devices still rely on the assistance of gate bias to program them, and a real fully photoswitchable transistor memory is still rare. Herein, we report a phototransistor memory device comprising polymer/perovskite quantum dot (QD) hybrid nanocomposites as a photoresponsive floating gate. The perovskite QDs offer an effective discreteness with an excellent photoresponse that are suitable for photogate application. In addition, a series of ultraviolet (UV)-sensitive insulating polymer hosts were designed to investigate the effect of UV light on the memory behavior. We found that a fully photoswitchable memory device was fulfilled by using the independent and sequential photoexcitation between a UV-sensitive polymer host and a visible light-sensitive QD photogates, which produced decent photoresponse, memory switchability, and highly stable memory retention with a memory ratio of 10⁴ over 10⁴ s. This study not only unraveled the mystery in the fully photoswitchable functionality of nonvolatile memory but also enlightened their potential in the next-generation electronics for light-fidelity application.

Conjugated photothermal materials and structure design for solar steam generation

With the development of solar steam generation (SSG) for clean water production, conjugated photothermal materials (PTMs) have attracted significant interest because of their advantages over metallic and inorganic PTMs in terms of high light absorption, designable molecular structures, flexible morphology, and solution processability. We review here the recent progress in solar steam generation devices based on conjugated organic materials. Conjugated organic materials are processed into fibers, membranes, and porous structures. Therefore, nanostructure design based on the concept of nanoarchitectonics is crucial to achieve high SSG efficiency. We discuss the considerations for designing SSG absorbers and describe commonly used conjugated organic materials and structural designs.

Stretchable π-conjugated polymer electrets for mechanoelectric generators

Electrets are materials that retain quasi-permanent electric charges and are attracting attention as key components of batteryless micropower supplies. A chemical structure that facilitates ionization and that can stabilize these charges, such as a π-conjugated system, is expected to increase the charge density compared with that of conventional insulating polymers. Here, we report a mechanoelectric generator (MEG) (vibrational energy harvester) that uses alkylated π-conjugated polymers (Alk-CPs), which can be monopolarized either into positive or negative mode electrets. With the attachment of insulating, bulky, yet flexible alkyl side chains to the π-conjugated backbone, the poled Alk-CPs showed long charge lifetime suitable for MEGs. The elastic modulus of the electret was adjusted to approximately match that of the stretchable polyurethane substrate by blending two miscible Alk-CPs with different elastic moduli, producing a laminated film that could be stretched up to 300%. The MEG presented showed conformability when applied to a deformable object.

Robust Radical Cations of Hexabenzoperylene Exhibiting High Conductivity and Enabling an Organic Nonvolatile Optoelectronic Memory

Herein, we report robust π-conjugated radical cations resulting from the oxidation of hexabenzoperylene (HBP) derivatives, HBP-B and HBP-H, which have butyl and hexyl groups, respectively, attached to the same twisted double helicene π-backbone. The radical cation of HBP-B was successfully crystallized in the form of hexafluorophosphate, which exhibited conductivity as high as 1.32 ± 0.04 S cm^-1. Photochemical oxidation of HBP-H by molecular oxygen led to the formation of its radical cation in the solid state, as found with different techniques. This allowed the organic field effect transistor of HBP-H to function as a nonvolatile optoelectronic memory, with the memory switching contrast above 10³ and long-term stability without using a floating gate, an electret layer, or photochromic molecules.

Advances in the Structural Strategies of the Self-Assembly of Photoresponsive Supramolecular Systems

Photosensitive supramolecular systems have garnered attention due to their potential to catalyze highly specific tasks through structural changes triggered by a light stimulus. The tunability of their chemical structure and charge transfer properties provides opportunities for designing and developing smart materials for multidisciplinary applications. This review focuses on the approaches reported in the literature for tailoring properties of the photosensitive supramolecular systems, including MOFs, MOPs, and HOFs. We discuss relevant aspects regarding their chemical structure, action mechanisms, design principles, applications, and future perspectives.

Electrodeposition and Characterization of Conducting Polymer Films Obtained from Carbazole and 2-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)acetic Acid

Electrochemical oxidation of electrolyte solutions containing carbazole (Cz) and 2-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)acetic acid (CzA) monomers was performed in acetonitrile solutions. Different Cz and CzA feed ratios were used to electrodeposit solid polymer films of various compositions, and to study the influence of the monomer ratio on the physicochemical properties (electroactivity, topography, adhesion, stiffness, wettability) of the polymer films. Thus, electrochemical oxidation led to the deposition of a solid film of micrometric thickness, but only for the solutions containing at least 30% of Cz. The proportion of Cz and CzA in the electrodeposited polymer films has little impact on the adhesion strength values measured by AFM. On the contrary, this proportion significantly modifies the stiffness of the films. Indeed, the stiffness of the polymer films varies from 9 to 24 GPa depending on the monomer ratio, which is much lower than the value obtained for unmodified polycarbazole (64 GPa). This leads to the absence of cracks in the films, which all have a fairly homogeneous globular structure. Moreover, among the different polymer films obtained, those prepared from 70:30 and 50:50 ratios in Cz:CzA monomer solutions seem to be the most interesting because these green films are conductive, thick, low in stiffness, do not show cracks and are resistant to prolonged immersion in water.

Copper(I)-Mediated Cascade Annulation via Dual C-H/C-H Activation: Access to Benzo[a]carbazolic AEEgens

A Cu(I)-mediated cascade cyclization/annulation of unprotected o-alkynylanilines with maleimides in one pot is developed. The protocol offers sequential formation of one C-N and two C-C bonds to deliver fused benzo[a]carbazoles having free NH skeletons. The annulated products display fluorescence emission in the range of 485-502 nm with a large Stokes shift and fluorescence lifetime of ∼17 ns. The annulated 3aa displays AEE behavior in the ethanol/hexane system and possesses marigold-flower-like morphology at the aggregated state. Cell viability assays enumerate biocompatible AEEgens, while their high intracellular fluorescence depicts cell imaging applicability.

Ultraviolet Light-Activated Charge Modulation Heterojunction for Versatile Organic Thin Film Transistors

Organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) are a promising technology for the application of photosensors in smart wearable devices. Light-induced electrical behavior of OTFTs is explored to achieve diverse functional requirements. In most studies, OTFTs show an increased drain current (I_D) under light irradiation. Here, we use an ultraviolet (UV) light absorption top layer, tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3), to improve the UV light response of poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT)-based OTFTs. Unexpectedly, the Alq3-covered device operated at the accumulation mode demonstrates a decreased I_D during the UV light irradiation. N,N'-Ditridecyl-3,4,9,10-perylene tetracarboxylic diimide (PTCDI, electron acceptor), pentacene (electron donor), and lithium fluoride (LiF, insulator) as an interlayer were inserted between the P3HT and the Alq3 layers. The PTCDI/Alq3-covered device also shows an unusual decrease in I_D under the UV light but an increase in I_D under the green light. The pentacene/Alq3-covered device shows an increased I_D during the UV light irradiation and, unexpectedly, a memory effect in I_D after removing the UV light. The LiF/Alq3-covered device exhibits an electrical behavior similar to the bare P3HT-based device under the UV light. Results of spectroscopic analyses and theoretical calculations have shown that the occurrence of charge transfer at heterojunctions during the UV light irradiation causes charge modulation in the multilayered P3HT-based OTFTs and then results in an unusual decrease or memory effect in I_D. In addition, the unexpected I_D reduction can be observed in the Alq3-covered poly[2,5-bis(3-tetradecylthiophen-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene]-based OTFTs under UV light. The features, including opposite electrical responses to different wavelengths of light and optical memory effect, provide the multilayered P3HT-based OTFTs with potential for various optical applications, such as image recognition devices, optical logic gates, light dosimeters, and optical synapses.

Unveiling the Photoinduced Recovery Mystery in Conjugated Polymer-Based Transistor Memory

A straightforward mechanism for the photorecovery behavior of photoresponsive nonvolatile organic field-effect transistor (OFET) memories is proposed by employing a commercially available conjugated polymer, the poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene) (PFO), the conjugated monomer fluorene (FO), and the nonconjugated poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), as charge storage layers beneath the semiconducting pentacene layer. As photoexcitons are generated upon light exposure, the respective charges recombine with the trapped charges in electrets and neutralize the memory device. However, whether the excitons are generated in the semiconducting layer or the electret part, the origin that mainly governs the photorecovery behavior remains unclear. In this study, we show that when PVA, a nonphotoactive electret, replaces PFO the photorecovery behavior is totally absent, and it confirms the photorecovery behavior dominated by the excitons in situ generated in a charged electret. Moreover, PFO as a photoactive electret, exhibiting an excellent hole-trapping ability over 24 h in the dark and high I_on/I_off current ratio of 10⁸, has successfully demonstrated rapid photoinduced recovery under UV light. The devices also display a reliable switching ability between electrical charge trapping and optical recovery cycles for optical-recording application. This report presents a clear understanding behind photorecovery phenomena that demonstrates useful guidance to boost the development of photoactive OFET memories based on conjugated polymer electrets.

Crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface and photo-physical analysis of 2-nitro-3-phenyl-9H-carbazole

The title compound, C18H12N2O2, was synthesized from a di-nitro-biphenyl-benzene derivative using a novel modification of the Cadogan reaction. The reaction has several possible ring-closed products and the title compound was separated as the major product. The X-ray crystallographic study revealed that the carbazole compound crystallizes in the monoclinic P space group and possesses a single closed Cadogan ring. There are two independent mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit. In the crystal, the mol-ecules are linked by N-H⋯O hydrogen bonding.

The Regioselective Functionalization Reaction of Unprotected Carbazoles with Donor-Acceptor Cyclopropanes

The regioselective functionalization reaction of unprotected carbazoles with donor-acceptor (D-A) cyclopropanes has been demonstrated for the first time. With Sc(OTf)₃ as Lewis acid catalyst, the N-H functionalization of carbazoles takes place through a highly selective nitrogen-initiated nucleophilic ring opening reaction. Significantly, by engaging TfOH as Brønsted acid catalyst, a straightforward C-H functionalization at the 3-position of the unprotected carbazole proceeds via Friedel-Crafts-type addition. This strategy facilitates the diversity-oriented synthesis of carbazole-containing heterocycles and expands the novel application of D-A cyclopropanes.

Controlling Energy Gaps of π-Conjugated Polymers by Multi-Fluorinated Boron-Fused Azobenzene Acceptors for Highly Efficient Near-Infrared Emission

We demonstrate that multi-fluorinated boron-fused azobenzene (BAz) complexes can work as a strong electron acceptor in electron donor-acceptor (D-A) type π-conjugated polymers. Position-dependent substitution effects were revealed, and the energy level of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) was critically decreased by fluorination. As a result, the obtained polymers showed near-infrared (NIR) emission (λ_PL =758-847 nm) with high absolute photoluminescence quantum yield (Φ_PL =7-23%) originating from low-lying LUMO energy levels of the BAz moieties (-3.94 to -4.25 eV). Owing to inherent solid-state emissive properties of the BAz units, deeper NIR emission (λ_PL =852980 nm) was detected in film state. Clear solvent effects prove that the NIR emission is from a charge transfer state originating from a strong D-A interaction. The effects of fluorination on the frontier orbitals are well understandable and predictable by theoretical calculation with density functional theory. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of fluorination to the BAz units for producing a strong electron-accepting unit through fine-tuning of energy gaps, which can be the promising strategy for designing NIR absorptive and emissive materials.

Stretchable OFET Memories: Tuning the Morphology and the Charge-Trapping Ability of Conjugated Block Copolymers through Soft Segment Branching

The mechanical properties and structural design flexibility of charge-trapping polymer electrets have led to their widespread use in organic field-effect transistor (OFET) memories. For example, in the electrets of polyfluorene-based conjugated/insulating block copolymers (BCPs), the confined fiberlike polyfluorene nanostructures in the insulating polymer matrix act as effective hole-trapping sites, leading to controllable memory performance through the design of BCPs. However, few studies have reported intrinsically stretchable charge-trapping materials and their memory device applications, and a practical method to correlate the thin-film morphology of BCP electrets with their charge-trapping ability has not yet been developed. In this study, a series of new conjugated/insulating BCPs, poly(9,9-di-n-hexyl-2,7-fluorene)-block-poly(δ-decanolactone)s (PF-b-PDL_x, x = 1-3), as stretchable hole-trapping materials are reported. The linear and branched PDL blocks with comparable molecular weights were used to investigate the effect of polymer architecture on morphology and device performance. Moreover, the coverage area of the polyfluorene nanofibers on the BCP films was extracted from atomic force microscopy images, which can be correlated with the trapping density of the polymer electrets. The branched PDL segments not only improve stretchability but also tailor crystallinity and phase separation of the BCPs, thus increasing their charge-trapping ability. The OFET memory device with PF-b-PDL₃ as the electret layer exhibited the largest memory window (102 V) and could retain its performance at up to 100% strain. This research highlights the importance of the BCP design for developing stretchable charge-trapping materials.

Biofunctionalization of Water-Soluble poly(Phenylene Ethynylene)s

We report the use of amide coupling chemistry to covalently link five different biofunctional groups onto an anionic water-soluble poly(phenylene ethynylene) (PPE) polymer. Two of the biofunctionalized PPEs are used in prototype applications, including pH sensing and flow cytometry labeling. The PPE is functionalized with carboxylate (R-CO2-) and sulfonate (R-SO3-) ionic groups. By using an activated ester, the amine-functionalized groups are covalently linked to the PPE polymer via amide linkages. The reaction chemistry is optimized using biotin-ethylene diamine, making it possible to control the loading of the biotin functionality on the PPE chains. Using the optimized approach, a family of five PPEs were prepared that contain biotin, rhodamine, cholesterol, mannose, or folic acid moieties appended to the polymer backbones. The rhodamine- and biotin-modified PPEs were further applied for pH response and flow cytometry applications. The reported approach can be utilized for other classes of water-soluble conjugated polymers, allowing facile development of a variety of new functionalized water-soluble conjugated polymers for a range of applications including sensing, bioimaging, and flow cytometry analysis.

Polycarbazole and Its Derivatives: Synthesis and Applications. A Review of the Last 10 Years

Polycarbazole and its derivatives have been extensively used for the last three decades, although the interest in these materials briefly decreased. However, the increasing demand for conductive polymers for several applications such as light emitting diodes (OLEDs), capacitators or memory devices, among others, has renewed the interest in carbazole-based materials. In this review, the synthetic routes used for the development of carbazole-based polymers have been summarized, reviewing the main synthetic methodologies, namely chemical and electrochemical polymerization. In addition, the applications reported in the last decade for carbazole derivatives are analysed. The emergence of flexible and wearable electronic devices as a part of the internet of the things could be an important driving force to renew the interest on carbazole-based materials, being conductive polymers capable to respond adequately to requirement of these devices.

High-Performance Nonvolatile Organic Photonic Transistor Memory Devices using Conjugated Rod-Coil Materials as a Floating Gate

A novel approach for using conjugated rod-coil materials as a floating gate in the fabrication of nonvolatile photonic transistor memory devices, consisting of n-type Sol-PDI and p-type C10-DNTT, is presented. Sol-PDI and C10-DNTT are used as dual functions of charge-trapping (conjugated rod) and tunneling (insulating coil), while n-type BPE-PDI and p-type DNTT are employed as the corresponding transporting layers. By using the same conjugated rod in the memory layer and transporting channel with a self-assembled structure, both n-type and p-type memory devices exhibit a fast response, a high current contrast between "Photo-On" and "Electrical-Off" bistable states over 10⁵ , and an extremely low programing driving force of 0.1 V. The fabricated photon-driven memory devices exhibit a quick response to different wavelengths of light and a broadband light response that highlight their promising potential for light-recorder and synaptic device applications.