Poly(3‐hexylthiophene)/Gold Nanoparticle Hybrid System with an Enhanced Photoresponse for Light‐Controlled Electronic Devices

Light‐controlled electrical behavior of polymer/nanoparticle hybrid system in ambient condition is demonstrated. By embedding gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) in a poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) matrix, the photoresponses of the nanocomposite films are enhanced. The electrical behavior of the P3HT/Au NPs nanocomposite transistors and inverters are tuned over a wide range in depletion mode. UV‐visible absorption spectroscopy, ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), and steady‐state photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy are used to analyze the nanocomposite films. The findings provide a better understanding of light‐induced threshold voltage shifts of P3HT‐based field‐effect transistors and inverters and demonstrate their potential applications in electronic signal modulation for solution‐processed integrated circuits.