Organic Field-Effect Transistor-Based Nonvolatile Memory Devices Having Controlled Metallic Nanoparticle/Polymer Composite Layers

Nonvolatile memory devices based on the pentacene film and controlled gold nanoparticle (Au-np)/polymer composite layers were developed. Organic field-effect transistor-based nonvolatile memory devices having self-assembled Au-np exhibited controllable and reliable current level differences (on- and off-states) according to the applied gate voltages (programming/erasing operations). The memory devices showed large memory windows as well as good data retention properties by adopting charge storage layers of controlled Au-np separated by insulating polymer layers. The process for fabricating nonvolatile memory devices was based on the solution processes and organic semiconductor layers, so it has a potential use in flexible nonvolatile memory applications. (C) 2010 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/1.3299270] All rights reserved.