Flexible Electronics Based on Organic Semiconductors: from Patterned Assembly to Integrated Applications

Organic flexible electronic devices are at the forefront of the electronics as they possess the potential to bring about a major lifestyle revolution owing to outstanding properties of organic semiconductors, including solution processability, lightweight and flexibility. For the integration of organic flexible electronics, the precise patterning and ordered assembly of organic semiconductors have attracted wide attention and gained rapid developments, which not only reduces the charge crosstalk between adjacent devices, but also enhances device uniformity and reproducibility. This review focuses on recent advances in the design, patterned assembly of organic semiconductors, and flexible electronic devices, especially for flexible organic field-effect transistors (FOFETs) and their multifunctional applications. First, typical organic semiconductor materials and material design methods are introduced. Based on these organic materials with not only superior mechanical properties but also high carrier mobility, patterned assembly strategies on flexible substrates, including one-step and two-step approaches are discussed. Advanced applications of flexible electronic devices based on organic semiconductor patterns are then highlighted. Finally, future challenges and possible directions in the field to motivate the development of the next generation of flexible electronics are proposed.

Automated summary

Organic flexible electronic devices with outstanding properties, such as solution processability, lightweight, and flexibility, have the potential to revolutionize lifestyles. The precise patterning and ordered assembly of organic semiconductors for integration in flexible electronics have attracted attention and rapidly developed. This review focuses on recent advances in the design, patterned assembly, and multifunctional applications of flexible organic field-effect transistors (FOFETs). It introduces typical organic semiconductor materials and material design methods, discusses patterned assembly strategies on flexible substrates, and highlights advanced applications of flexible electronic devices based on organic semiconductor patterns. Future challenges and possible directions for the development of the next generation of flexible electronics are also proposed.