Embossing of organic thin films using a surfactant assisted lift-off technique

A simple technique for patterning organic materials using a surfactant assisted lift-off method is proposed. Thin films of various organic materials are prepared, and areas in contact with a surfactant coated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) stamp are selectively removed. The general applicability of this technique is shown for materials containing nitrate, amine, and carboxylic acid functional groups. This technique provides a new methodology for fabricating patterns with vertical dimensions ranging from 30 nm up to 3 μm on organic thin films with specific functional groups.     

A Soluble Dynamic Complex Strategy for the Solution‐Processed Fabrication of Organic Thin‐Film Transistors of a Boron‐Containing Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon

The solution‐processed fabrication of thin films of organic semiconductors enables the production of cost‐effective, large‐area organic electronic devices under mild conditions. The formation/dissociation of a dynamic B?N coordination bond can be used for the solution‐processed fabrication of semiconducting films of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) materials. The poor solubility of a boron‐containing PAH in chloroform, toluene, and chlorobenzene was significantly improved by addition of minor amounts (1 wt % of solvent) of pyridine derivatives, as their coordination to the boron atom suppresses the inherent propensity of the PAHs to form π‐stacks. Spin‐coating solutions of the thus formed Lewis acid–base complexes resulted in the formation of amorphous thin films, which could be converted into polycrystalline films of the boron‐containing PAH upon thermal annealing. Organic thin‐film transistors prepared by this solution process displayed typical p‐type characteristics.     

Entropic Mixing Allows Monomeric-Like Absorption in Neat BODIPY Films

Intermolecular interactions play a crucial role in materials chemistry because they govern thin film morphology. The photophysical properties of films of organic dyes are highly sensitive to the local environment, and a considerable effort has therefore been dedicated to engineering the morphology of organic thin films. Solubilizing side chains can successfully spatially separate chromophores, reducing detrimental intermolecular interactions. However, this strategy is also significantly decreasing achievable dye concentration. Here, five BODIPY derivatives containing small alkyl chains in the α-position were synthesized and photophysically characterized. By blending two or more derivatives, the increase in entropy reduces aggregation and therefore produces films with extreme dye concentration and, at the same time almost solution like absorption properties. Such a film was placed inside an optical cavity and the achieved system was demonstrated to reach the strong exciton-photon coupling regime by virtue of the achieved dye concentration and sharp absorption features of the film.     

Chemically Amplified Resist Based on Dendritic Molecular Glass for Electron Beam Lithography

A novel dendritic molecular glass(MG) containing adamantane core(AD-15) was synthesized and characterized. It exhibits good solubility in common organic solvents and a stable amorphous state at room temperature, which contributes to forming films with different thicknesses by spin-coating. The thermal analysis of AD-15 indicates that no apparent glass transition temperature(T_g) is observed before the thermal decomposition temperature(T_d=160 ℃). The good thermal resistance suggests that it can satisfy the lithographic process and is a candidate for photoresist materials. The patterning properties of AD-15 resist were evaluated by electron beam lithography(EBL). By optimizing the lithographic process parameters, AD-15 resist can achieve 40 nm half-pitch patterns with a line-edge roughness of 4.0 nm. The contrast and sensitivity of AD-15 resist were 1.9 and 67 μC/cm², respectively. Compared with the commercial PMMA(950k) electron beam resist, the sensitivity of AD-15 resist increases by 6 times. This study provides a new example of molecular glass resist with high resolution and sensitivity for EBL.     

Self‐assembly of metal–organic framework thin films containing metalloporphyrin and their photocatalytic activity under visible light

With [5,10,15,20‐tetra(4‐carboxyphenyl)porphyrin]Mn(III) and sterically controlled 2,2¢‐dimethyl‐4,4¢‐pyridine as the main raw materials, metal–organic framework thin films containing metalloporphyrin (MnPor‐MOF) with catalytically active sites were built up on functionalized quartz glass surfaces using a layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly method. Retaining active catalytic sites and having a porous reticular structure, the MnPor‐MOF films possessed remarkable photocatalytic activity for oxidative degradation of methylene blue in the presence of hydrogen peroxide under visible‐light irradiation. Most meaningfully, the MnPor‐MOF films were highly stable and simply and conveniently reusable, and are thus a potentially new organic material for photocatalytic wastewater treatment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Organic vapor sensing properties and characterization of α-naphthylmethacrylate LB thin films

Determination of organic vapor sensing properties of α-Naphthylmethacrylate (α-NMA) monomer based Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) thin films was aimed in this study. LB thin film fabrication was performed on quartz glass and quartz crystal substrates in order to investigate the characterization and organic vapor properties of α-NMA materials by using UV-Visible, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) techniques. π-A isotherm graph was taken and a suitable surface pressure value were primarily determined as 13?mN m^?1 for successful α-NMA LB thin film fabrication. Transfer ratio value was found to be ≥ 0.93 for quartz glass and quartz crystal substrates. The typical frequency shift per layer was obtained as 16.93?Hz/layer and the deposited mass onto a quartz crystal was calculated as 271.30?ng/layer (1.02?ng mm^?2). The sensing responses of α-NMA LB films against dichloromethane, chloroform, toluene and m-xylene were measured by QCM system. Dichloromethane created the maximum shift in the resonance frequency than other organic vapors used in this study. Results exhibited that α-NMA LB thin films were potential candidates for organic vapor sensing applications, especially high sensitive detection of dichloromethane at room temperature.     

The synthesis and properties of CaCu3Ti4O12 thin films

The CaCu₃Ti₄O₁₂ (CCTO) thin films were synthesized via a metal‐organic solution containing stoichiometric amounts of the metal cations at 700 °C for 1 h. The stable metal‐organic solution was prepared by dissolving calcium nitrate, copper nitrate, and tetrabuty titanate in grain alcohol. The phases, microstructures, and electric properties of CCTO thin films were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscope, and electric measurements. The results show that the CCTO thin films have homogeneous microstructure, smooth surface, low leakage current, and high values of dielectric constant. The low leakage current can be attributed to the small surface roughness. The high value of dielectric constant can be attributed to the internal barrier layer capacitor mechanism and metal‐insulator‐semiconductor junction of CCTO thin films. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Redox polymers incorporating pendant 6-oxoverdazyl and nitronyl nitroxide radicals

Polymers comprised of redox-active organic radicals have emerged as promising materials for use in a variety of organic electronics, including fast-charging batteries. Despite these advances, relatively little attention has been focused on the diversification of the families of radicals that are commonly incorporated into polymer frameworks, with most radical polymers being comprised of nitroxide radicals. Here, we report two new examples prepared via ring-opening methathesis polymerization containing 6-oxoverdazyl and nitronyl nitroxide radicals appended to their backbones. The polymerization reaction and optoelectronic properties were explored in detail, revealing high radical content and redox activity that may be advantageous for their use as semiconducting thin films. Initial studies revealed that current–voltage curves obtained from thin films of the title polymers exhibited memory effects making them excellent candidates for use in resistive memory applications. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. 2020 , 58, 309–319     

Crystallization and Organic Field-Effect Transistor Performance of a Hydrogen-Bonded Quaterthiophene

Crystalline thin films of π-conjugated molecules are relevant as the active layers in organic electronic devices. Therefore, materials with enhanced control over the supramolecular arrangement, crystallinity, and thin-film morphology are desirable. Herein, it is reported that hydrogen-bonded substituents serve as additional structure-directing elements that positively affect crystallization, thin-film morphology, and device performance of p-type organic semiconductors. It is observed that a quaterthiophene diacetamide exhibits a denser packing than that of other quaterthiophenes in the single-crystal structure and, as a result, displays enhanced intermolecular electronic interactions. This feature was preserved in crystalline thin films that exhibited a layer-by-layer morphology, with large domain sizes and high internal order. As a result, organic field-effect transistors of these polycrystalline thin films showed mobilities in the range of the best mobility values reported for single-crystalline quaterthiophenes. The use of hydrogen-bonded groups may, thus, provide an avenue for organic semiconducting materials with improved morphology and performance.     

Stepwise deposition of metal organic frameworks on flexible synthetic polymer surfaces

Thin films of [Cu(3)(btc)(2)](n) (btc = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate) metal organic framework were deposited in a stepwise manner on surfaces of flexible organic polymers. The thickness of films can be precisely controlled. The deposition of the first cycles was monitored by UV-vis spectroscopy. The porosity was proven by the adsorption of pyrazine, which was monitored by FT-IR and thermogravimetric analysis. The deposition of MOF thin films on flexible polymer surfaces might be a new path for the fabrication of functional materials for different applications, such as protection layers for working clothes and gas separation materials in the textile industry.     

Postsynthetic Photochemical Modification and 2D Structuring of Zr-MOF Thin Films Containing Benzophenone Linker Molecules

For the fabrication of next-generation MOF-based devices the availability of highly adaptable materials in suitable shapes is crucial. Here, we present thin films of a metal–organic framework (MOF) containing photoreactive benzophenone units. Crystalline, oriented and porous films of the zirconium-based bzpdc-MOF (bzpdc=benzophenone-4-4′-dicarboxylate) are prepared by direct growth on silicon or glass substrates. Via a subsequent photochemical modification of the Zr-bzpdc-MOF films, various properties can be tuned postsynthetically by covalent attachment of modifying agents. Apart from the modification with small molecules, also grafting-from polymerization reactions are possible. In a further extension, 2D structuring and photo-writing of defined structures is also possible, for example by using a photolithographic approach, paving the way towards micro-patterned MOF surfaces.     

Recent advances in covalent organic polymers-based thin films as memory devices

Covalent organic polymers (COPs) have emerged as a promising class of materials for memory devices due to their unique electronic properties and potential for tunability. This review highlights recent advances in the field of COPs-based thin films for memory applications, with a focus on the synthesis and characterization of COP thin films, their electronic properties, and their performance as memory devices. The potential of COPs-based thin films as flexible memory devices is also discussed. Overall, the recent progress in COPs-based thin films for memory applications suggests that these materials may have a significant impact on the development of next-generation memory technologies.     

Design and post-functionalisation of ordered mesoporous zirconia thin films

Bidimensional hexagonal or centred-rectangular mesoporous zirconia thin films have been reproducibly prepared by evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA), which are stable up to 300 degrees C, with pore size around 35 A; the films can be post-functionalised with organic ligands presenting different functions, opening a land of opportunities for the design of new hybrid mesostructured materials, based on the synergy of a transition metal oxide network and organic groups.     

Nanoscale Assembly of Paramagnetic Organic Radicals on Au(111) Single Crystals

The successful thin‐film deposition of a pyrene‐substituted nitronyl nitroxide radical under controlled conditions has been demonstrated. The electronic properties, chemical environment at the interface, and morphology of the thin films have been investigated by a multitechnique approach. Spectroscopic and morphological analyses indicate a Stranski–Krastanov growth mode and weak physisorption of molecules onto the metallic surface. Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy shows that evaporation processes and deposition do not affect the paramagnetic character of the molecules. Useful concepts for the engineering of new, purely organic‐based magnets, which may open the way to fruitful exploitation of organic molecular‐beam deposition for assembly on solid surfaces in view of future technological applications, are presented.     

Preparation,characterization and luminescence of transparent thin film of ionogels

The sol–gel fabrication of luminescent and transparent thin film of ionogels containing trivalent lanthanide complexes have been obtained from the silylated ionic liquid in the presence of lanthanide salts (Ln³⁺, Ln=Tb and Eu) and organic ligands. The resulting thin films were investigated by FT-IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and luminescence spectroscopy. FT-IR spectra reveal the hydrolysis and condensation of the silylated ionic liquid as well as the formation of luminescent lanthanide complexes in the thin films. Scanning electronic microscope images show the homogeneous characteristic of the thin films.     

Preparation of transparent thin films of silica-surfactant mesostructured materials

Our recent studies on the simple synthetic route to the thin films of the periodic silica-surfactant mesostructured materials are summarized. By depositing the mixtures of the prehydrolyzed tetramethoxysilane and alkyltrimethylammonium salts under anacidic condition on solid supports, transparent thin films of the periodic silica-surfactant mesostructured materials formed. The resulting transparent films have been used as a precursor of the porous silica films and a support for organic photoactive species. Compared with other reported reactions for the silica-surfactant mesostructured materials, this method possesses advantages such as the ease of operation and the possibility to control microstructure and macroscopic morphology.     

Preparation of Microporous ORMOSILs by Thermal Degradation of Organically Modified Siloxane Resin

Silicon containing materials have traditionally been used in microelectronic fabrication. Semi-conductor devices often have one or more arrays of patterned interconnect levels that serve to electrically couple the individual circuit elements forming an integrated circuit. These interconnect levels are typically separated by an insulating or dielectric film. Previously, a silicon oxide film was the most commonly used material for such dielectric films having dielectric constants (k) near 4.0. However, as the feature size is continuously scaling down, the relatively high k of such silicon oxide films became inadequate to provide efficient electrical insulation. As such, there has been an increasing market demand for materials with even lower dielectric constant for Interlayer Dielectric (ILD) applications, yet retaining thermal and mechanical integrity. We wish to report here our investigations on the preparation of ultra-low k ILD materials using a sacrificial approach whereby organic groups are burnt out to generate low k porous ORMOSIL films. We have been able to prepare a variety of organically modified silicone resins leading to highly microporous thin films, exhibiting ultra-low k from 1.80 to 2.87, and good to high modulus, 1.5 to 5.5 GPa. Structure property influences on porosity, dielectric constant and modulus will be discussed.     

Synthesis and lithographic applications of highly metallized cluster-based polyferrocenylsilanes

We report the use of a cobalt-clusterized polyferrocenylsilane (Co-PFS) as a precursor to patterned ferromagnetic ceramics. Co-PFS was synthesized. Functioning as a negative resist, Co-PFS lines with widths of 10-300 μm were patterned using UV-photolithography, while features as small as 500 nm were afforded by electron-beam lithography. Subsequent pyrolytic treatment of the lithographically patterned Co-PFS yielded ferromagnetic ceramics containing Fe/Co nanoparticles. Due to its high metal-loading, Co-PFS is a good etch resist for oxygen and hydrogen plasma reactive ion etching. Reactive ion etching of a thin film of Co-PFS in a secondary magnetic field allowed direct access to ferromagnetic ceramic films, providing a viable alternative to pyrolysis.     

Alkoxide Derived SrBi2Ta2O9 Phase Pure Powder and Thin Films

Phase pure powder and thin films of the novel ferroelectric materials SrBi₂Ta₂O₉ (SBT) have been prepared using the organic precursors. The xero-gel formed was dried and characterized using TGA and DTA to determine the organic burn out and crystallization temperature of SBT. Powder X-ray diffraction was used systematically to check the crystallinity of SBT. Phase pure SBT powder was formed as low as 650°C and thin films at 600°C in comparison to other earlier reported work. SEM micrographs show a grain size of ≈0.1 μm and show crack free films with a film thickness of 2 μm.     

Room temperature ferromagnetism in sol–gel deposited un-doped ZnO films

Dilute magnetic semiconductors are fast emerging spintronic materials where advantage of magnetic properties of semiconductor materials (usually doped with small quantities of magnetic ions) is being explored. Sol–gel technique, being low-cost simple and application oriented method, has been used in the present case. ZnO films of <150 nm thickness have been deposited by spin coating onto single crystal p-type Si substrates. The optimized sol is of paramagnetic nature, whereas, mixed para- dia-magnetic phase is observed for the as-prepared films. A complete ferromagnetic phase transition has been observed after heating the films in vacuum at a temperature of 300 °C. These sol–gel prepared films exhibit hexagonal wurtzite structure as observed by X-ray diffraction. After the magnetic field annealing in vacuum the films showed strengthened magnetic as well as structural properties. This work presents a clear evidence of ferromagnetic behavior of the un-doped ZnO films deposited by sol–gel at room temperature. It is also pointed out that Zn vacancies rather than oxygen deficiency are responsible for ferromagnetism in these sol–gel deposited ZnO thin films, whereas, the experimental evidence has been substantiated with the theoretical calculations using density functional theory.