Luminescent High-Mobility 2D Organic Semiconductor Single Crystals

2D organic semiconductor single crystals comprising one or a few molecular layers of macroscopic lateral sizes are ideal materials for ultrathin, flexible, and transparent field-effect devices-a platform for transistors and sensors. In recent years, these 2D materials have demonstrated high performance not inferior to their 3D counterparts. However, light emissive properties of 2D organic semiconductor single crystals have not yet been reported, and a combination of high charge-carrier mobility and bright luminescence in one material is still a challenge for 2D organic optoelectronics. Emissive high-mobility 2D organic semiconductor based on a [1]benzothieno[3,2-b]benzothiophene (BTBT)-derivative, 2,7-bis(4-decylphenyl)[1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene (DPBTBT), is presented here. DPBTBT molecules self-organize in large-area ultrathin single-crystalline films consisting of one or a few molecular layers. These 2D single crystals perfectly suit as an active layer of organic field-effect transistors in full accordance with Shockley's model and uniquely combine the high charge-carrier mobility reaching 7.5 cm(2) V-1 s(-1) with prominent light emissive properties, which allow a demonstration of the first 2D organic light-emitting transistor. The high charge-carrier mobility and thermal stability of the crystalline phases, pronounced luminescence, and good shelf-life stability suggest that emissive BTBT-type molecules are a promising avenue for 2D organic optoelectronics.

Automated summary

2D organic semiconductor single crystals have the potential to be used in ultrathin, flexible, and transparent field-effect devices. However, the light emissive properties of these crystals have not been reported, and achieving both high charge-carrier mobility and bright luminescence in one material is still a challenge. In this study, a high-mobility 2D organic semiconductor based on a BTBT-derivative is presented, which demonstrates both high charge-carrier mobility and prominent light emissive properties.