Diverse Organic Field‐Effect Transistor Sensor Responses from Two Functionalized Naphthalenetetracarboxylic Diimides and Copper Phthalocyanine Semiconductors Distinguishable Over a Wide Analyte Range

Abstract

Abstract Naphthalenetetracarboxylic diimide derivatives (octyl “8” NTCDI, dimethylaminopropyl “DMP” NTCDI) and copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) are used to form a diverse organic field‐effect transistor (OFET) sensor array. CuPc and 8‐NTCDI are p‐channel and n‐channel semiconductors, respectively, showing expected and opposing responses to analytes. DMP‐NTCDI, on the other hand, because of its ionizable side chain, shows response directions and magnitudes that are not correlated to those of the other two. The result is a distinct response pattern and unambiguous recognition ability for individual analytes. The differences are even more dramatic if the time evolution of the responses is considered. The three‐response patterns obtained from representative polar, nonpolar, acidic, and basic vapors are all different, showing the potential for this approach in rapid, low‐cost electronic detection of volatile compounds.