Highly Stable and Durable n-Channel Polymer Transistors

1. Highly Stable and Durable n-Channel Polymer Transistors Samson A. Jenekhe, University of Washington,DMR 0805259 O2 O2 O2 O2 H2O H2O We have studied the stability and durability of n-channel polymer thin film transistors in air and under extreme conditions. High-mobility n-channel polymer transistors based on the polymer BBL were developed in our group under a previous NSF support. In a continuing study with current NSF support, we have found that the BBL transistors exhibit excellent stability and durability over a period of 4 years. The n-channel BBL transistors also showed robustness under extreme conditions such as direct exposure to high-energy plasma. The highly crystalline and efficient π-stacking nature of BBL explain its rugged electron-transport properties. Our findings provide guidelines for designing new polymer semiconductors with enhanced robustness and durability. H2O BBL e– e– e– e– e– BBL Source Drain Dielectric Gate

2. Highly Stable and Durable n-Channel Polymer Transistors Samson A. Jenekhe, University of Washington,DMR 0805259 • Graduate Education in Science & Engineering: • An important component of this research project is the education of graduate students in the areas of chemistry, chemical engineering, and materials science and engineering. During this reporting period 3 female graduate students, partially supported by this grant, completed their PhD degrees: Pei-Tzu Wu, PhD in chemical engineering; Tricia Youngbull, PhD in materials science and engineering; and Eilaf Ahmed, PhD in Chemistry. Graduate students who completed their PhD degrees: Tricia Youngbull, MSE (Left picture), Eilaf Ahmed, Chemistry (Right picture, left) and Pei-Tzu Wu, ChemE (Right picture, right). • Outreach: • The UW STEM Bridge Program at the University of Washington is designed to motivate incoming first year minority students preparing to study Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics disciplines. • During the design lab session, the students learn about the engineering profession and are introduced to an engineering system and design. The students are also engaged in the academic community that will become a vital part of their successful engineering careers. Graduate student Taeshik Earmme (Bottom, right) is fabricating PhOLEDs in design lab with incoming pre-engineering students.