Transparent flexible organic thin-film transistors that use printed single-walled carbon nanotube electrodes

Abstract

Electrodes based on printed networks of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are integrated with ultrathin layers of the organic semiconductor pentacene to produce bendable, transparent thin-film transistors on plastic substrates. The physical and structural properties of the SWNTs lead to the remarkably good electrical contacts with the pentacene. Optical transmittances of ∼70%, device mobilities >0.5cm2V−1s−1, ON/OFF ratios >105 and tensile strains as large as 1.8% are achieved in devices of this type. These characteristics indicate promise for applications in power conserving flexible display systems and other devices.