Dimeric Tetracenomycin Derivatives from a Taklamakan Desert-Derived Streptomyces sp. HDN154193

Bitetracenomycin A (1) and its diastereomers [(±)-bitetracenomycin B, (±)-2] were discovered from the cultures of Streptomyces sp. HDN154193. Compounds 1 and (±)-2 were the first tetracenomycin dimers obtained from a natural source with sp³ methine protons at the bridge positions (C-12/12'), which also exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. The racemate (±)-2 was semisynthesized and separated into enantiomers (+)-2 and (-)-2, and the absolute configurations were determined by specific rotation and ECD data. These metabolites exhibited potent antibacterial activity especially against drug-resistant strains (MRSA and MRCNS) with MIC values ranging from 1.0 to 1.9 μg/mL.

Lanthanide Sensitizers for Large Anti-Stokes Shift Near-Infrared-to-Visible Triplet-Triplet Annihilation Photon Upconversion

The upconversion of near-infrared (NIR) to visible (vis) photons is of interest for display technologies and energy conversion. Although triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA) offers a mechanism for upconversion that works efficiently at low incident irradiance flux densities, current strategies for NIR-vis upconversion based on TTA have fundamental limitations. Herein, we report a strategy for NIR-vis TTA based on lanthanide-containing complexes to sensitize the upconversion. We demonstrate a β-diketonate complex of Yb³⁺ paired with rubrene that emits yellow (λ_em = 559 nm) under NIR excitation (λ_exc = 980 nm). This corresponds to an exceptional anti-Stokes shift of just less than 1 eV. Thus, lanthanide complexes could unlock high-performance NIR-vis upconversion, with lanthanide sensitizers overcoming the energy loss, reabsorption, and short triplet lifetime that fundamentally limit porphyrin, nanocrystals, and direct S₀-T₁ sensitizers.

Multifunctional Tetracene/Pentacene Host/Guest Nanorods for Enhanced Upconversion Photodynamic Tumor Therapy

The tissue penetration depth of light and the singlet oxygen (¹O₂) generation efficiency of photosensitizers (PSs) are the two main factors that determine the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy for tumors. Herein, we report a novel strategy to prepare a multifunctional upconversion photosensitizer (UCPS) based on the host/guest nanoarchitecture. By a simple reprecipitation method, host/guest tetracene/pentacene nanorods (Tc/Pc NRs) were synthesized for enhancing triplet-triplet annihilation-upconversion (TTA-UC) or two-photon excited emission and ¹O₂ generation efficiency upon 650 or 808 nm excitation. Tc/Pc NRs had higher ¹O₂ quantum yield (74%) than Tc NRs (28%) upon 650 nm laser irradiation. The proposed mechanism is that doping Pc molecules into Tc NRs induces intermediate states between S₀ and S₁, shortening the energy gap for ¹O₂ generation and resulting in TTA-UC emission. Equally important, with 808 nm fs laser excitation, Tc/Pc NRs showed an enhanced ¹O₂ generation efficiency and two-photon absorption cross section (σ) compared with Tc NRs. In addition, when the tumors in mice were exposed to Tc/Pc NRs with 650 or 808 nm wavelength irradiation, the tumor inhibition rates achieved 99 and 95%, respectively. This work opens new perspectives for exploring novel nano-UCPSs for biomedical applications.

Monte Carlo Wavefunction Approach to Singlet Fission Dynamics of Molecular Aggregates

We have developed a Monte Carlo wavefunction (MCWF) approach to the singlet fission (SF) dynamics of linear aggregate models composed of monomers with weak diradical character. As an example, the SF dynamics for a pentacene dimer model is investigated by considering the intermolecular electronic coupling and the vibronic coupling. By comparing with the results by the quantum master equation (QME) approach, we clarify the dependences of the MCWF results on the time step (Δt) and the number of MC trajectories (MC). The SF dynamics by the MCWF approach is found to quantitatively (within an error of 0.02% for SF rate and of 0.005% for double-triplet (TT) yield) reproduce that by the QME approach when using a sufficiently small Δt (~0.03 fs) and a sufficiently large MC (~10⁵). The computational time (treq) in the MCWF approach also exhibits dramatic reduction with increasing the size of aggregates (N-mers) as compared to that in the QME approach, e.g., ~34 times faster at the 20-mer, and the size-dependence of treq shows significant reduction from N5.15 (QME) to N3.09 (MCWF). These results demonstrate the promising high performance of the MCWF approach to the SF dynamics in extended multiradical molecular aggregates including a large number of quantum dissipation, e.g., vibronic coupling, modes.

Application of Antibody-Powered Triplex-DNA Nanomachine to Electrochemiluminescence Biosensor for the Detection of Anti-Digoxigenin with Improved Sensitivity Versus Cycling Strand Displacement Reaction

The accurate and rapid quantitative detection of antibodies had a significant influence in controlling and preventing disease or toxin outbreaks. In this work, we first introduce the antibody-powered triplex-DNA nanomachine to release cargo DNA as a substitute target for sensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection of anti-digoxigenin based on a novel ternary ECL system. It is worth noting that the cargo DNA as a substitute target of antibody can further participate in an enzyme-assisted cycling strand displacement reaction to achieve ECL signal amplification and improve the sensitivity of antibody detection. Additionally, porous palladium nanospheres with a considerable catalytic activity were first applied as a coreaction accelerator to efficiently enhance the intensity of the ECL system of rubrene microblocks as luminophore and dissolved O₂ as an endogenous coreactant. With the resultant ternary ECL system as a biosensing platform, a significantly enhanced initial signal was achieved in advance. Then, the ferrocene-labeled quenching probes were employed to reduce initial signal and obtain the low-background signal. Eventually, the cargo DNA made the quenching probes release and recover the signal in the presence of anti-digoxigenin. Thereupon, the wide linear range (0.01-200 nM) and low limit of detection (6.7 pM) were obtained, and this method not only reduces conjugation steps but also provides a sensitive and novel ECL analysis platform for the trace detection of other antibodies and antigen.

Seco-Tetracenomycins from the Marine-Derived Actinomycete Saccharothrix sp. 10-10

Six new tetracenomycin congeners, saccharothrixones E⁻I (1⁻5) and 13-de-O-methyltetracenomycin X (6), were isolated from the rare marine-derived actinomycete Saccharothrix sp. 10-10. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT)-electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Saccharothrixones G (3) and H (4) are the first examples of tetracenomycins featuring a novel ring-A-cleaved chromophore. Saccharothrixone I (5) was determined to be a seco-tetracenomycin derivative with ring-B cleavage. The new structural characteristics, highlighted by different oxidations at C-5 and cleavages in rings A and B, enrich the structural diversity of tetracenomycins and provide evidence for tetracenomycin biosynthesis. Analysis of the structure⁻activity relationship of these compounds confirmed the importance of the planarity of the naphthacenequinone chromophore and the methylation of the polar carboxy groups for tetracenomycin cytotoxicity.

Investigation of Ultraviolet Light Curable Polysilsesquioxane Gate Dielectric Layers for Pentacene Thin Film Transistors

Polysilsesquioxane (PSQ) comprising 3-methacryloxypropyl groups was investigated as an ultraviolet (UV)-light curable gate dielectric-material for pentacene thin film transistors (TFTs). The surface of UV-light cured PSQ films was smoother than that of thermally cured ones, and the pentacene layers deposited on the UV-Iight cured PSQ films consisted of larger grains. However, carrier mobility of the TFTs using the UV-light cured PSQ films was lower than that of the TFTs using the thermally cured ones. It was shown that the cross-linker molecules, which were only added to the UV-light cured PSQ films, worked as a major mobility-limiting factor for the TFTs.

High-Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells Employing a S,N-Heteropentacene-based D-A Hole-Transport Material

We developed a new donor-π-acceptor-type hole-transport material (HTMs) incorporating S,N-heteropentacene as π-spacer, triarylamine as donor, and dicyanovinylene as acceptor. In addition to appropriate frontier molecular orbital energies, the new HTM showed high photo absorptivity in the visible region. Without the use of p-dopants, solution-processed mixed perovskite devices using the HTM achieved power conversion efficiencies of up to 16.9% and high photocurrents of up to 22.2 mA cm(-2). These results demonstrate that heteroacene can be an excellent building block to prepare alternative HTMs for perovskite solar cells and hold promise for further advancement through fine-tuning the molecular structure.

A first-principles study of the vibrational properties of crystalline tetracene under pressure

We present a comprehensive study of the hydrostatic pressure dependence of the vibrational properties of tetracene using periodic density-functional theory (DFT) within the local density approximation (LDA). Despite the lack of van der Waals dispersion forces in LDA we find good agreement with experiment and are able to assess the suitability of this approach for simulating conjugated organic molecular crystals. Starting from the reported x-ray structure at ambient pressure and low temperature, optimized structures at ambient pressure and under 280 MPa hydrostatic pressure were obtained and the vibrational properties calculated by the linear response method. We report the complete phonon dispersion relation for tetracene crystal and the Raman and infrared spectra at the centre of the Brillouin zone. The intermolecular modes with low frequencies exhibit high sensitivity to pressure and we report mode-specific Grüneisen parameters as well as an overall Grüneisen parameter [Formula: see text]. Our results suggest that the experimentally reported improvement of the photocurrent under pressure may be ascribed to an increase in intermolecular interactions as also the dielectric tensor.

Hybrid Molecule-Nanocrystal Photon Upconversion Across the Visible and Near-Infrared

The ability to upconvert two low energy photons into one high energy photon has potential applications in solar energy, biological imaging, and data storage. In this Letter, CdSe and PbSe semiconductor nanocrystals are combined with molecular emitters (diphenylanthracene and rubrene) to upconvert photons in both the visible and the near-infrared spectral regions. Absorption of low energy photons by the nanocrystals is followed by energy transfer to the molecular triplet states, which then undergo triplet-triplet annihilation to create high energy singlet states that emit upconverted light. By using conjugated organic ligands on the CdSe nanocrystals to form an energy cascade, the upconversion process could be enhanced by up to 3 orders of magnitude. The use of different combinations of nanocrystals and emitters shows that this platform has great flexibility in the choice of both excitation and emission wavelengths.

High Stability Pentacene Transistors Using Polymeric Dielectric Surface Modifier

1,6-bis(trichlorosilyl)hexane (C6Cl), polystyrene (PS), and cross-linked polystyrene (CPS) were investigated as gate dielectric modified layers for high performance organic transistors. The influence of the surface energy, roughness and morphology on the charge transport of the organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) was investigated. The surface energy and roughness both affect the grain size of the pentacene films which will control the charge carrier mobility of the devices. Pentacene thin-film transistors fabricated on the CPS modified dielectric layers exhibited charge carrier mobility as high as 1.11 cm2 V-1 s-1. The bias stress stability for the CPS devices shows that the drain current only decays 1% after 1530 s and the mobility never decreases until 13530 s.

n-Dopants Based on Dimers of Benzimidazoline Radicals: Structures and Mechanism of Redox Reactions

Dimers of 2-substituted N,N'-dimethylbenzimidazoline radicals, (2-Y-DMBI)2 (Y=cyclohexyl (Cyc), ferrocenyl (Fc), ruthenocenyl (Rc)), have recently been reported as n-dopants for organic semiconductors. Here their structural and energetic characteristics are reported, along with the mechanisms by which they react with acceptors, A (PCBM, TIPS-pentacene), in solution. X-ray data and DFT calculations both indicate a longer C-C bond for (2-Cyc-DMBI)2 than (2-Fc-DMBI)2 , yet DFT and ESR data show that the latter dissociates more readily due to stabilization of the radical by Fc. Depending on the energetics of dimer (D2 ) dissociation and of D2 -to-A electron transfer, D2 reacts with A to form D(+) and A(-) by either of two mechanisms, differing in whether the first step is endergonic dissociation or endergonic electron transfer. However, the D(+) /0.5 D2 redox potentials-the effective reducing strengths of the dimers-vary little within the series (ca. -1.9 V vs. FeCp2 (+/0) ) (Cp=cyclopentadienyl) due to cancelation of trends in the D(+/0) potential and D2 dissociation energy. The implications of these findings for use of these dimers as n-dopants, and for future dopant design, are discussed.

Composite fluorescent nanoparticles for biomedical imaging

PURPOSE

In the rapidly expanding field of biomedical imaging, there is a need for nontoxic, photostable, and nonquenching fluorophores for fluorescent imaging. We have successfully encapsulated a new, extremely hydrophobic, pentacene-based fluorescent dye within polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) or nanocarriers (NCs) via the Flash NanoPrecipitation (FNP) process.

PROCEDURES

Nanoparticles and dye-loaded micelles were formulated by FNP and characterized by dynamic light scattering, fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-VIS absorbance spectroscopy, and confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

These fluorescent particles were loaded from less than 1% to 78% by weight core loading and the fluorescence maximum was found to be at 2.3 wt.%. The particles were also stably formed at 2.3% core loading from 20 up to 250 nm in diameter with per-particle fluorescence scaling linearly with the NC core volume. The major absorption peaks are at 458, 575, and 625 nm, and the major emission peaks at 635 and 695 nm. In solution, the Et-TP5 dye displays a strong concentration-dependent ratio of the emission intensities of the first two emission peaks, whereas in the nanoparticle core the spectrum is independent of concentration over the entire concentration range. A model of the fluorescence quenching was consistent with Förster resonant energy transfer as the cause of the quenching observed for Et-TP5. The Förster radius calculated from the absorption and emission spectra of Et-TP5 is 4.1 nm, whereas the average dye spacing in the particles at the maximum fluorescence is 3.9 nm.

CONCLUSIONS

We have successfully encapsulated Et-TP5, a pentacene derivative dye previously only used in light-emitting diode applications, within NCs via the FNP process. The extreme hydrophobicity of the dye keeps it encapsulated in the NC core, its extended pentacene structure gives it relatively long wavelength emission at 695 nm, and the pentacene structure, without oxygen or nitrogen atoms in its core, makes it highly resistant to photobleaching. Its bulky side groups minimize self-quenching and localization within the nanoparticle core prevents interaction of the dye with biological surfaces, or molecules in diagnostic assays. Loading of dye in the NP core allows 25 times more dye to be delivered than if it were conjugated onto the nanocarrier surface. The utility of the dye for quantifying nanoparticle binding is demonstrated. Studies to extend the wavelength range of these pentacene dyes into the near infra-red are underway.

Versatile bottom-up construction of diverse macromolecules on a surface observed by scanning tunneling microscopy

The heterocoupling of organic building blocks to give complex multicomponent macromolecules directly at a surface holds the key to creating advanced molecular devices. While "on-surface" synthesis with prefunctionalized molecules has recently led to specific one- and two- component products, a central challenge is to discover universal connection strategies that are applicable to a wide range of molecules. Here, we show that direct activation of C-H bonds intrinsic to π-functional molecules is a highly generic route for connecting different building blocks on a copper surface. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) reveals that covalent π-functional macromolecular heterostructures, displaying diverse compositions, structures and topologies, are created with ease from seven distinct building blocks (including porphyrins, pentacene and perylene). By exploiting differences in C-H bond reactivity in the deposition and heating protocols we also demonstrate controlled synthesis of specific products, such as block copolymers. Further, the symmetry and geometry of the molecules and the surface also play a critical role in determining the outcome of the covalent bond forming reactions. Our "pick-mix-and-link" strategy opens up the capability to generate libraries of multivariate macromolecules directly at a surface, which in conjunction with nanoscale probing techniques could accelerate the discovery of functional interfaces.

Highly ordered molecular films on Au(111): the N-heteroacene approach

This study presents an innovative synthesis of dihydrotetraazapentacene (DHTAP) and the scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) investigation of the initial stages of its growth on Au(111). We were able to demonstrate that, up to the fourth monolayer, the DHTAP films show a high structural order and growths in perfect epitaxy. This behavior can be unequivocally attributed to the stabilizing effect of intralayer hydrogen bonding interactions.

RutheniumII complexes bearing fused polycyclic ligands: from fundamental aspects to potential applications

In this review, we first discuss the photophysics reported in the literature for mononuclear ruthenium complexes bearing ligands with extended aromaticity such as dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (DPPZ), tetrapyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c:3'',2''-h:2''',3'''-j]-phenazine (TPPHZ),  tetrapyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c:3'',2''-h:2''',3'''-j]acridine (TPAC), 1,10-phenanthrolino[5,6-b]1,4,5,8,9,12-hexaazatriphenylene (PHEHAT) 9,11,20,22-tetraaza- tetrapyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c:3'',2''-l:2''',3'''-n]pentacene (TATPP), etc. Photophysical properties of binuclear and polynuclear complexes based on these extended ligands are then reported. We finally develop the use of binuclear complexes with extended π-systems for applications such as photocatalysis.

Novel functionality of organic 6,13-Pentacenequinone as a photocatalyst for hydrogen production under solar light

6,13-Pentacenequinone (PQ), an intermediate for an organic semiconductor pentacene, was synthesized by single step solvent free solid state reaction at room temperature under ambient conditions which is hitherto unattempted. The phase purity has been confirmed by XRD and NMR. Optical study showed the absorption at 390 and 412 nm attributed to the π-π* and n-π* transitions, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry indicates the semiconducting nature of PQ having a band gap of 3 eV. The photoluminescence study revealed emissions at 408 and 432 nm. Considering the good thermal stability and absorption well within visible region, wisely, PQ has been used as a photocatalyst for the hydrogen production under solar light. Surprisingly we observed the utmost hydrogen evolution i.e. 4848 μmol/h/0.1 g (quantum efficiency 6.8%). The repeatability and reusability study confirmed the stability of the photocatalyst. The confirmation of the photocatalytic effect was also confirmed using methylene blue (MB) dye degradation under natural sunlight. The observed rate constant (Kapp) for photocatalytic MB degradation was 1.60 × 10(-2) min(-1). The use of an organic photocatalyst for hydrogen production has been demonstrated for the first time. This novel organic photocatalyst can also be explored for water splitting.

[Identification of tetracenomycin X from a marine-derived Saccharothrix sp. guided by genes sequence analysis]

The crude extracts of the fermentation broth from a marine sediment-derived actinomycete strain, Saccharothrix sp. 10-10, showed significant antibacterial activities against drug-resistant pathogens. A genome-mining PCR-based experiment targeting the genes encoding key enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites indicated that the strain 10-10 showed the potential to produce tetracenomycin-like compounds. Further chemical investigation of the cultures of this strain led to the identification of two antibiotics, including a tetracenomycin (Tcm) analogs, Tcm X (1), and a tomaymycin derivative, oxotomaymycin (2). Their structures were identified by spectroscopic data analysis, including UV, 1D-NMR, 2D-NMR and MS spectra. Tcm X (1) showed moderate antibacterial activities against a number of drug-resistant pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) pathogens, with the MIC values in the range of 32-64 microg x mL(-1). In addition, 1 also displayed significant cytotoxic activities against human cancer cell lines, including HL60 (leukemia), HepG2 (liver), and MCF-7 (breast) with the IC 50 values of 5.1, 9.7 and 18.0 micromol x L(-1), respectively. Guided by the PCR-based gene sequence analysis, Tcm X (1) and oxotomaymycin (2) were identified from the genus of Saccharothrix and their 13C NMR data were correctly assigned on the basis of 2D NMR spectroscopic data analysis for the first time.

Re-evaluating the role of sterics and electronic coupling in determining the open-circuit voltage of organic solar cells

The effects of sterics and molecular orientation on the open-circuit voltage and absorbance properties of charge-transfer states are explored in model bilayer organic photovoltaics. It is shown that the open-circuit voltage correlates linearly with the charge-transfer state energy and is not significantly influenced by electronic coupling.

Mapping of trap densities and hotspots in pentacene thin-film transistors by frequency-resolved scanning photoresponse microscopy

Frequency-resolved scanning photoresponse microscopy of pentacene thin-film transistors is reported. The photoresponse pattern maps the in-plane distribution of trap states which is superimposed by the level of trap filling adjusted by the gate voltage of the transistor. Local hotspots in the photoresponse map thus indicate areas of high trap densities within the pentacene thin film.

Microstructural control over soluble pentacene deposited by capillary pen printing for organic electronics

Research into printing techniques has received special attention for the commercialization of cost-efficient organic electronics. Here, we have developed a capillary pen printing technique to realize a large-area pattern array of organic transistors and systematically investigated self-organization behavior of printed soluble organic semiconductor ink. The capillary pen-printed deposits of organic semiconductor, 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl) pentacene (TIPS_PEN), was well-optimized in terms of morphological and microstructural properties by using ink with mixed solvents of chlorobenzene (CB) and 1,2-dichlorobenzene (DCB). Especially, a 1:1 solvent ratio results in the best transistor performances. This result is attributed to the unique evaporation characteristics of the TIPS_PEN deposits where fast evaporation of CB induces a morphological evolution at the initial printed position, and the remaining DCB with slow evaporation rate offers a favorable crystal evolution at the pinned position. Finally, a large-area transistor array was facilely fabricated by drawing organic electrodes and active layers with a versatile capillary pen. Our approach provides an efficient printing technique for fabricating large-area arrays of organic electronics and further suggests a methodology to enhance their performances by microstructural control of the printed organic semiconducting deposits.

Post annealing effects on the electrical characteristics of pentacene thin film transistors on flexible substrates

This work studies the effect of post annealing of pentacene on a flexible substrate through the examination of electrical properties and surface morphologies. It is confirmed that the best performance of devices is achieved when the post annealing temperature is 60 degrees C, since the grain size increases, which decrease grain boundaries caused charge transport limit. We can also confirmed the large threshold voltage shift of device annealed at 60 degrees C that means the lower trap density between channel and insulator interface. The device annealed at 60 degrees C exhibits a saturation mobility of 1.99 cm2/V x s, an on/off ratio of 1.87 x 10(4), and a subthreshold slope of 2.5 V/decade.

Chiral "pinwheel" heterojunctions self-assembled from C60 and pentacene

We demonstrate the self-assembly of C60 and pentacene (Pn) molecules into acceptor-donor heterostructures which are well-ordered and--despite the high degree of symmetry of the constituent molecules--chiral. Pn was deposited on Cu(111) to monolayer coverage, producing the random-tiling (R) phase as previously described. Atop R-phase Pn, postdeposited C60 molecules cause rearrangement of the Pn molecules into domains based on chiral supramolecular "pinwheels". These two molecules are the highest-symmetry achiral molecules so far observed to coalesce into chiral heterostructures. Also, the chiral pinwheels (composed of 1 C60 and 6 Pn each) may share Pn molecules in different ways to produce structures with different lattice parameters and degree of chirality. High-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy results and knowledge of adsorption sites allow the determination of these structures to a high degree of confidence. The measurement of chiral angles identical to those predicted is a further demonstration of the accuracy of the models. van der Waals density functional theory calculations reveal that the Pn molecules around each C60 are torsionally flexed around their long molecular axes and that there is charge transfer from C60 to Pn in each pinwheel.

Solvent vapor annealing in the molecular regime drastically improves carrier transport in small-molecule thin-film transistors

We demonstrate a new way to investigate and control the solvent vapor annealing of solution-cast organic semiconductor thin films. Solvent vapor annealing of spin-cast films of 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl) pentacene (TIPS-Pn) is investigated in situ using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) capability, allowing us to monitor both solvent mass uptake and changes in the mechanical rigidity of the film. Using time-resolved grazing incidence wide angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS) and complementary static atomic force microscopy (AFM), we demonstrate that solvent vapor annealing in the molecular regime can cause significant performance improvements in organic thin film transistors (OTFTs), whereas allowing the solvent to percolate and form a liquid phase results in catastrophic reorganization and dewetting of the film, making the process counterproductive. Using these lessons we devise processing conditions which prevent percolation of the adsorbed solvent vapor molecules for extended periods, thus extending the benefits of solvent vapor annealing and improving carrier mobility by nearly two orders of magnitude. Ultimately, it is demonstrated that QCM-D is a very powerful sensor of the state of the adsorbed solvent as well as the thin film, thus making it suitable for process development as well as in-line process monitoring both in laboratory and in future manufacturing settings.

Formation of photoconductive nanowires of tetracene derivative in composite thin film

Nanowires of tetracene dicarboxylic imide disulfide with an N-hexyl substituent (HexylTIDS) were successfully constructed in composite thin film containing poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT). The nanowire structures were investigated by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The photoconductivity of the composite films was evaluated by time-resolved microwave conductivity measurements, revealing that the film containing a 1:1 w/w ratio of HexylTIDS and P3HT exhibited the highest photoconductivity (2.1 × 10(-7) m(2)/(V s)). The intermolecular interactions of HexylTIDS molecules were important in nanowire formation. These results suggest a one-step method for fabricating small-molecule-based nanowires in composite films from a blended solution. This type of composite film, and its fabrication method, will be useful for developing organic thin-film photoelectronic devices.

Nanostructures of small-molecule organic crystals on capillary wave surfaces with controllable capillary lengths

We report on the nanostructures of organic small-molecule pentacene crystals that have been vapor-deposited onto the capillary wave surfaces of thin liquid films. The characteristic lateral length of the capillary wave surface or the capillary length can be controlled by changing the thickness of the liquid films and, thus, the van der Waals interaction with the substrate. We find that the morphology of the organic crystals gradually varies from fractals to compact islands as the liquid film thickness increases. The square of average distance between organic crystal grains was also found to be proportional to the liquid film thickness. We discuss the possibility that these effects are driven by capillary fluctuations at the air-liquid interface.

On the origin of contact resistances of organic thin film transistors

A model is presented that describes the gate-voltage-dependent contact resistance and channel-length-dependent charge carrier mobility of small-molecule-based organic thin-film transistors in top and bottom drain/source contact configuration.

Thermionic emission and tunneling at carbon nanotube-organic semiconductor interface

We study the charge carrier injection mechanism across the carbon nanotube (CNT)-organic semiconductor interface using a densely aligned carbon nanotube array as electrode and pentacene as organic semiconductor. The current density-voltage (J-V) characteristics measured at different temperatures show a transition from a thermal emission mechanism at high temperature (above 200 K) to a tunneling mechanism at low temperature (below 200 K). A barrier height of ∼0.16 eV is calculated from the thermal emission regime, which is much lower compared to the metal/pentacene devices. At low temperatures, the J-V curves exhibit a direct tunneling mechanism at low bias, corresponding to a trapezoidal barrier, while at high bias the mechanism is well described by Fowler-Nordheim tunneling, which corresponds to a triangular barrier. A transition from direct tunneling to Fowler-Nordheim tunneling further signifies a small injection barrier at the CNT/pentacene interface. Our results presented here are the first direct experimental evidence of low charge carrier injection barrier between CNT electrodes and an organic semiconductor and are a significant step forward in realizing the overall goal of using CNT electrodes in organic electronics.

Digital-mode organic vapor-jet printing (D-OVJP): advanced jet-on-demand control of organic thin-film deposition

Digital-mode organic vapor-jet printing (D-OVJP) is demonstrated by producing a series of organic vapor jets. D-OVJP not only inherits all the benefits of a conventional OVJP but also provides an advanced, straightforward control over organic deposition with a pixel-to-pixel precision. Digitally-controlled film thickness and high-performance thin-film transistors are demonstrated with D-OVJP, proving its potential applicability to organic electronics and related areas.

Bias stress effect in "air-gap" organic field-effect transistors

The origin of the bias stress effect related only to semiconductor properties is investigated in "air-gap" organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) in the absence of a material gate dielectric. The effect becomes stronger as the density of trap states in the semiconductor increases. A theoretical model based on carrier trapping and relaxation in localized tail states is formulated. Polar molecular vapors in the gap of "air-gap" OFETs also have a significant impact on the bias stress effect via the formation of bound states between the charge carriers and molecular dipoles at the semiconductor surface.

An improved synthesis of pentacene: rapid access to a benchmark organic semiconductor

Pentacene is an organic semiconductor used in a variety of thin-film organic electronic devices. Although at least six separate syntheses of pentacene are known (two from dihydropentacenes, two from 6,13-pentacenedione and two from 6,13-dihydro-6,13-dihydroxypentacene), none is ideal and several utilize elevated temperatures that may facilitate the oxidation of pentacene as it is produced. Here, we present a fast (~2 min of reaction time), simple, high-yielding (≥90%), low temperature synthesis of pentacene from readily available 6,13-dihydro-6,13-dihydroxypentacene. Further, we discuss the mechanism of this highly efficient reaction. With this improved synthesis, researchers gain rapid, affordable access to high purity pentacene in excellent yield and without the need for a time consuming sublimation.

Unraveling the mechanism of molecular doping in organic semiconductors

The mechanism by which molecular dopants donate free charge carriers to the host organic semiconductor is investigated and is found to be quite different from the one in inorganic semiconductors. In organics, a strong correlation between the doping concentration and its charge donation efficiency is demonstrated. Moreover, there is a threshold doping level below which doping simply has no electrical effect.

Charge reorganization energy and small polaron binding energy of rubrene thin films by ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy

The hole–phonon coupling of a rubrene monolayer on graphite is measured by means of angle resolved ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. Thus, the charge reorganization energy λ and the small polaron binding energy is determined, which allows insight into the nature of charge transport in condensed rubrene.

Inkjet printing high-resolution, large-area graphene patterns by coffee-ring lithography

Taking advantage of the "coffee-ring" effect, graphene electrodes with channel lengths as low as 1-2 micrometers are patterned by inkjet printing. Organic thin film transistors and complementary inverters are also fabricated using these graphene electrodes and show excellent performance.

The position of nitrogen in N-heteropentacenes matters

An exploratory study on novel silylethynylated N-heteropentacenes, which have their N atoms on the terminal rings of the pentacene backbone, is reported. This study leads to both p- and n-channel organic thin-film transistors with high field-effect mobility and also reveals that the position of the N atoms plays an important role in tuning the structures and properties of organic semiconductors based on N-heteropentacenes.

The origin of a 650 nm photoluminescence band in rubrene

Commonly observed variations in photoluminescence (PL) spectra of crystalline organic semiconductors, including the appearance or enhancement of certain PL bands, are shown to originate from a small amount of structural disorder (e.g., amorphous inclusions embedded in a crystal), rather than be necessarily related to chemical impurities or material oxidation. For instance, in rubrene, a minute amount of such disorder can lead to the appearance of a dominant PL band at 650 nm as a result of triplet excitons captured and fused at these sites, with a subsequent emission from the amorphous phase.

Computational and spectral investigation of 5,12-dihydro-5,12-ethanonaphthacene-13-carbaldehyde

A conformational search of 5,12-dihydro-5,12-ethanonaphthacene-13-carbaldehyde predicted the presence of twelve conformations. The geometry of the twelve conformations established at the B3LYP/6-31G* level showed only six unique ones. Vibrational frequencies were calculated at the B3LYP/6-31G* level. The calculated vibrational frequencies enabled us to interpret the appearance of two bands corresponding to the C=O stretching mode of 5,12-dihydro-5,12-ethanonaphthacene-13-carbaldehyde. The first band corresponded to the 5,12-dihydro-5,12-ethanonaphthacene-13-carbaldehyde structure where the aldehyde group O atom was above the benzene or naphthalene ring. The other band was due to the O atom of the aldehyde group pointing out of the benzene or naphthalene ring.

Pure white organic light-emitting diode with lifetime approaching the longevity of yellow emitter

A high-efficiency pure white organic light-emitting diode was fabricated with lifetime approaching that of the low-excitation-energy (yellow) emitter containing counterpart, or six times that of the deep-blue counterpart. The white device was composed of two emission layers with mixed hosts of different compositions. They were respectively doped with yellow rubrene and deep-blue 4,4'-bis-[4-{N,N,N',N'- tetrakis-(4-fluoro-diphenylamino)-phenyl}-vinyl]-biphenyl. The resulting efficiency was 6.0 lm/W (12.4 cd/A) at 20 mA/cm(2). The long device lifetime may be attributed to the double mixed-host architecture employed that effectively dispersed the injected carriers into three different recombination zones and consequently diluted the damaging effect arising from the accumulated charge from un-recombined carriers, hence leading to a markedly improved lifespan.

Charge-carrier injection into pentacene thin film formed on Si(111) probed by STM spectroscopy

The injection of charge carriers into a pentacene thin film formed on a Si substrate was investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Tip height versus bias voltage (z-V) spectroscopy reveals the characteristic charge transport properties of the molecular film, i.e., the conductivity and the threshold energy of charge injection. The abrupt descent of the tip into the film owing to the transition of film conductance, which depends on the degree of charge carrier injection, was observed for crystallized pentacene thin films. The lower film conductance at around zero bias voltage is still higher than that of a vacuum. This indicates that the carrier injection barrier between the pentacene and the semiconducting substrate is extremely low. The convergence of the carrier injection endpoints into a narrow range of electric-field intensity implies that the main factor contributing to barrier formation and collapse is not the bias voltage but the electric field.