High-resolution patterned nanoparticulate Ag electrodes toward all printed organic thin film transistors

High-resolution patterned nanoparticulate Ag electrode arrays and all printed organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) were demonstrated using a simple dip-casting and a photoresist-free, non-relief-pattern lithographic process. An octadecyltrichlorosilane self-assembled monolayer was deposited to provide low surface energy and patterned by deep ultraviolet light, resulting in reproducible periodic arrays of patterned hydrophilic domains separated from hydrophobic surroundings. Using a simple dip-casting with optimal withdrawal speed, viscosity, and solvent polarity, dot size and electrode width of less than 1 μm and 5 μm were obtained, respectively. All printed OTFTs were fabricated. Ink-jet printed 6,13-bis(triisopropyl-silylethynyl) pentacene OTFTs including high-resolution patterned nanoparticulate Ag source/drain electrodes (L < 10 μm) have shown similar performance to the OTFTs with photolithographically patterned electrodes.