Scalable Directed Assembly of Highly Crystalline 2,7-Dioctyl[1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene (C8-BTBT) Films

Assembly of organic semiconductors with ordered crystal structure has been actively pursued for electronics applications such as organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). Among various film deposition methods, solution-based film growth from small molecule semiconductors is preferable because of its low material and energy consumption, low cost, and scalability. Here, we show scalable and controllable directed assembly of highly crystalline 2,7-dioctyl[1]-benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene (C8-BTBT) films via a dip coating process. Self-aligned stripe patterns with tunable thickness and morphology over a centimeter scale are obtained by adjusting two governing parameters: the pulling speed of a substrate and the solution concentration. OFETs are fabricated using the C8-BTBT films assembled at various conditions. A field-effect hole mobility up to 3.99 cm(2) V-1 s(-1) is obtained. Owing to the highly scalable crystalline film formation, the dip-coating directed assembly process could be a great candidate for manufacturing next generation electronics. Meanwhile, the film formation mechanism discussed in this paper could provide a general guideline to prepare other organic semiconducting films from small molecule solutions.